"There are joyous signs that show that this could soon be the end of the war. We welcome these signs very favourably," Schroeder said after talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.

As he spoke, there were scenes of jubilation in the streets of the Iraqi capital Baghdad after US tanks and troops moved into the heart of the city.

"Each day that shows the end of the war is approaching is a good day. That's why we welcome these signs," Schroeder said.

"We also think that the goal now should be to transform a probable and hoped for military victory into a political gain. This can only be the case if we achieve political and economic stability in the region," he said.

Schroeder, who vehemently opposed the US-led war, also renewed a call for the United Nations to play a central role in post-war Iraq.

He is expected to discuss the UN's future in Iraq at a summit on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Jacques Chirac, who have also opposed the war.

SPACE.WIRE