Source The Hindu
MOSCOW — The Kremlin announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an official invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join his newly proposed “Board of Peace.” The initiative, which Trump unveiled last week, is designed to oversee the reconstruction and governance of Gaza following a long-standing conflict, with a broader mandate to address global instability.
Moscow Studying the “Nuances”
Speaking to reporters during a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the offer was extended through diplomatic channels.
“Indeed, President Putin received an invitation to join this Board of Peace,” Peskov stated. “At the moment, we are examining all the details and nuances of this proposal. We hope to maintain contact with the American side to clarify exactly how this body will function.”
While Moscow has not yet formally accepted the invitation, Peskov noted that the initiative would “certainly go down in history,” regardless of its eventual compliance with existing international law.
A “Trump United Nations”?
The Board of Peace is being characterized by the White House as a prestigious committee of international leaders and experts. It is expected to work alongside a committee of Palestinian technocrats to restore public services and stability in Gaza. However, the proposal has already sparked significant debate:
Structure: The board will reportedly be chaired by Donald Trump.
Membership: Other invitees include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Funding: Some reports suggest a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, intended to fund Gaza’s reconstruction, though this has not been officially confirmed by Washington.
Criticism: Some diplomats have dubbed the body a “Trump United Nations,” expressing concern that it might bypass traditional multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council.
Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics
The invitation to Putin comes at a complex time for international relations. While Russia has historically maintained a balanced approach to the Middle East, its ties with Israel have been strained recently as Moscow strengthens its partnership with Iran.
Observers note that including Putin in a peace-focused body—while the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved—is likely to be a polarizing move. Critics argue it may signal a shift in U.S. policy toward Moscow, while supporters of the plan suggest that including all major global players is necessary for lasting stability in the Middle East.
The Kremlin indicated that further discussions may take place this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev is expected to meet with members of the U.S. delegation.
