MOSCOW January 21, 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for extending an invitation to join the newly proposed “Board of Peace,” a multilateral initiative aimed at overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza and potentially addressing broader global conflicts. In a video statement released on Thursday, Putin confirmed receipt of the invitation and highlighted Russia’s willingness to support international stability efforts.
“Regarding the Board of Peace, in fact we did receive a message from Donald Trump inviting us to join this new structure that he initiated,” Putin said in the clip, which was shared widely on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter). “I would like to thank the President of the United States for this proposal. We have always supported and will support any efforts to reinforce international stability. And the current US administration has also been contributing to resolving the Ukraine [conflict].”
The statement comes amid reports that Russia is prepared to contribute up to $1 billion to the board, potentially sourced from Russian assets frozen under previous U.S. sanctions. Putin emphasized that Moscow would use its involvement to advocate for Palestinian rights in line with UN resolutions, drawing a “red line” on the issue.
What is the ‘Board of Peace’?
The Board of Peace is a Trump administration initiative launched last week, initially focused on brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and managing postwar reconstruction in Gaza. Trump has positioned himself as the inaugural chairman, with founding members including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, property developer Steve Witkoff, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
The board’s scope has expanded rapidly, with Trump suggesting it could address other global hotspots and even serve as an alternative to the United Nations. “It might replace the UN,” Trump told reporters, adding that the board would include “controversial people” with “tremendous influence” to get results. Permanent seats on the board reportedly come with a $1 billion fee, raising concerns about accessibility and exclusivity.
International Participation and Reactions
Several nations have already accepted invitations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has joined, though he will skip an upcoming signing ceremony in Davos due to Switzerland’s enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes in Gaza. Seven Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, and others, have also confirmed participation, emphasizing their support for ending the Gaza conflict.
However, not all responses have been positive. French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected the offer, and Germany has explicitly declined, viewing the board as a “counter-draft” to the UN. Other major allies like the UK, Canada, and France remain hesitant, citing potential overlap with existing international bodies. China and Belarus have received invitations but have not yet committed.
Critics argue the board risks becoming a vehicle for Trump’s personal diplomacy rather than a neutral platform. “Putin would certainly use Russia’s membership on the Board of Peace to undermine the UN,” said Robert Wood, a former U.S. deputy ambassador to the UN. Supporters, however, see it as a pragmatic approach to direct dialogue, potentially rivaling bureaucratic institutions like the UN.
Upcoming Developments
A signing ceremony for the board’s charter is scheduled for Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. Trump is expected to host the event, which could solidify the board’s structure and membership.
As global tensions persist in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, the Board of Peace represents a bold, if divisive, attempt at multilateralism under U.S. leadership. Whether it evolves into a functional body or remains symbolic will depend on broader international buy-in and concrete actions in the coming months.
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