Moscow, Jan 22: Vladimir Putin thanked President Donald Trump for inviting him to join a US-proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” a new international body aimed at addressing global conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
RT reported that Putin expressed his willingness to contribute to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ initiative and suggested “donating USD1 billion to the body from the Russian assets frozen in the US to support the recovery of the Palestinian enclave.”
He made the remarks during a speech to the Russian Security Council on Wednesday.
Putin stated that more time would be needed to study Trump’s offer, as Russia’s strategic partners must be consulted, RT reported.
Russia could provide $1 billion for the organization “right now, even before we decide whether we’ll take part… in the work of the Board of Peace,” the Russian president said, citing Moscow’s “special relations with the people of Palestine.”
The sum could be taken “from the Russian assets frozen by the previous US administration,” he added. Moscow “has always supported and continues to support any efforts aimed at strengthening international stability,” RT quoted Putin as saying.
The board is part of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and is expected to temporarily oversee the administration of Gaza and manage its reconstruction.
Washington has invited various world leaders to sit on the board. On Monday, Trump threatened 200% tariffs on French wine after President Emmanuel Macron declined to join.
According to Washington, the body’s mandate could later be expanded to address other conflicts around the world.
The Board of Peace is designed to carry out peace-building tasks in line with international law and the guidelines set out in its Charter. It will focus on developing and sharing best practices that any nation or community striving for peace can apply.
The Charter also grants broad powers to President Trump, who serves as the Chairman of the Board. He has the authority to invite, nominate, or even expel countries from the Board, giving him full control over its membership.