Schroeder: Europe has no alternative to Russia

The G-7 leaders' decision not to invite Russia to their forthcoming summit in Bavaria on June 7-8 is a misstep, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said.

"I think it was a mistake not to invite the Russian President to the G7 summit," he stressed.

According to Schroeder, "Russia has an alternative to Europe, but not vice versa."

He also confirmed his friendly relations with President Putin.