Moscow/ Washington: In a striking diplomatic outreach, US President Donald Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join his newly-formed “Board of Peace”, an initiative aimed at overseeing governance, reconstruction, and long-term stability in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
The Kremlin confirmed the invitation on Monday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Putin received the offer through diplomatic channels. “President Putin also received an invitation to join this Board of Peace,” Peskov told reporters, adding that Moscow is now “studying the details” and seeking to clarify “all the nuances” with Washington. No decision on acceptance has been announced yet.
The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself, is positioned as a mechanism to implement aspects of a US-brokered peace plan for Gaza, following the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Invitations have also been extended to other entities, including the European Union, Belarus, Thailand, and leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.
Reports suggest permanent seats may require significant financial contributions, reportedly up to $1 billion, directed toward Gaza’s rebuilding.
The move comes against the backdrop of strained US-Russia ties over the Ukraine war, now nearing its fourth year, raising questions about whether Russia would support or engage with Trump’s broader Middle East vision. While some view it as an attempt to foster cooperation on global conflicts, others see it as a bold — and controversial — bid to reshape international peacekeeping dynamics.
As responses trickle in from invitees, the proposal has already sparked debate on its feasibility and implications for Gaza’s future.