Offering a cautious stance on joining the Donald Trump-led Board of Peace for post-war governance and reconstruction of Gaza, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was still examining the proposal and would take a decision only after consultations with its strategic partners. However, he said the Kremlin would contribute USD 1 billion for permanent membership of the Board, from the Russian assets frozen by the United States.
Putin's position came shortly after US President Trump announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Putin had already agreed to participate in the initiative.
“Regarding our participation in the ‘Peace Board’, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to study the documents received by us, consult with our strategic partners on this matter, and only then will we be able to respond to the invitation extended to us,” Putin said in a televised address at the National Security Council meeting.
He added, “We have always supported and continue to support any efforts aimed at strengthening international stability. We also acknowledge the current US administration's contribution to the search for a solution to the Ukrainian crisis”.
The Board of Peace, proposed under a US-brokered plan for Gaza, was initially envisioned as a small group of global leaders tasked with overseeing governance in the war-ravaged enclave. However, it has since expanded into a far more ambitious project, with a broader mandate to mediate multiple global conflicts, some comparing it with the United Nations Security Council.
On the proposed USD 1 billion contribution, Putin said the funds could be drawn from Russian assets frozen by the US during the previous Joe Biden administration.
“Even before we decide on the issue of participation in the composition and work of the Peace Board, taking into account Russia’s special relationship with the Palestinian people, we could, I think, give USD 1 billion from Russian assets frozen under the previous US administration,” Putin announced
The Russian leader further specified that the entire process should have a positive impact on a long-term settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on the relevant decisions of the United Nations, and “it is essential that the fundamental needs and wishes of the Palestinians be taken into account”.
Putin’s remarks came hours after Trump claimed that the Russian leader had accepted the invitation to join the Board.
“He was invited. He’s accepted,” Trump told reporters at the World Economic Forum after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
According to the White House, at least 35 world leaders have committed to joining the Board of Peace out of around 50 invitations issued so far.
Those who have agreed include Middle East allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Egypt. NATO members Turkey and Hungary have also confirmed participation, along with Morocco, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kosovo, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Paraguay and Vietnam. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus have also accepted the invitation.
India, meanwhile, has received the US President’s initiative to join the Board, but has not taken a final decision on joining the initiative.
Source: India Today