Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder attended the 74th birthday of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The event was reported by the Kremlin, which also released smiling photographs of the two men. This visit by Schröder to Putin’s birthday raises eyebrows given the ongoing geopolitical tensions. No further details regarding the meeting or discussions were immediately available. Schröder has maintained business ties with Russia despite international criticism and sanctions. The Kremlin’s sharing of the photos signals a public display of continued relations. This event is likely to fuel further debate about European ties to Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.