The Kremlin has announced it is reviewing an invitation from US President Donald Trump for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a new international body called the "Board of Peace". The proposed initiative, which has sparked cautious reactions from world governments, aims to resolve global conflicts, starting with Gaza.
Details of the Proposed Peace Board
According to documents seen by Reuters, President Trump would serve as chairman for life of the board. The plan outlines a phased approach, beginning with addressing the conflict in Gaza before expanding its remit to other international disputes.
A notable condition for membership is detailed in the invitation letters. While around 60 nations have been invited to participate, permanent membership would be granted only to those governments willing to contribute $1 billion to fund the board's activities. Member states not making this financial commitment would be limited to three-year terms.
International Reactions and Early Acceptances
Diplomatic responses to the invitations, which began arriving in European capitals on Saturday, have been mixed. Several governments have been reluctant to comment publicly, with officials expressing anonymous concerns about the potential for the board to undermine the existing work of the United Nations.
However, some nations have responded positively. Hungary, a close Trump ally, has given an unequivocal acceptance. Furthermore, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has confirmed his participation. His spokesperson, Ruslan Zheldibay, stated on Monday that Tokayev was among the first leaders to receive an invitation and has sent a letter of gratitude and agreement to President Trump.
"President Tokayev confirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to contribute to the achievement of lasting peace in the Middle East, strengthening interstate trust and global stability," Zheldibay added.
Kremlin's Stance and Broader Commentary
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the invitation on Monday, confirming that Moscow is studying the proposal and hopes for contacts with Washington concerning it. In a separate but related comment, Peskov also remarked on speculation about US interests in Greenland.
He stated it was hard to disagree with experts who suggest President Trump would "go down in world history" if he took control of Greenland, clarifying he was neither endorsing nor criticising such a move, but simply stating a perceived fact.
The development of the "Board of Peace" initiative marks a significant and unconventional proposal in global diplomacy, with its structure and funding model likely to provoke further debate among the international community as more nations consider their response.
