In a significant diplomatic move, former US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to join a proposed 'Board of Peace' aimed at addressing the Gaza conflict. The Kremlin has confirmed it is currently reviewing the proposal.
Controversial Figures and Global Invitations
The board, a brainchild of Trump, is reportedly taking shape with several high-profile names. Sir Tony Blair publicly announced his own inclusion on the panel, a move likely to stir controversy given his divisive role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. The former Prime Minister's previous tenure as a Middle East peace envoy for the Quartet ended amid criticism of his perceived closeness to Israel.
The proposed board's membership is set to include prominent US figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Invitations have also reportedly been sent to a range of other world leaders, including Argentina's President Javier Milei and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, suggesting a wide-reaching, if unconventional, diplomatic effort.
Scrutiny and Strategic Implications
The initiative, revealed on Monday 19 January 2026, immediately raises questions about its structure and potential influence. The inclusion of Sir Tony Blair is particularly contentious, linking the new initiative to the legacy of the Iraq War. His earlier work for the Quartet, which focused on peace between Israel and the Palestinians, was met with scepticism and ultimately concluded without a major breakthrough.
The Kremlin's confirmation that it is considering the invitation places Moscow in a position to potentially gain a direct role in Middle Eastern peace discussions, a region where it has steadily sought to increase its influence. The development comes amid reports that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also negotiating terms with the United States regarding potential British involvement in the board.
A New Chapter in Middle East Diplomacy?
This proposed 'Board of Peace' represents a starkly different approach to international conflict resolution, bypassing traditional multilateral institutions. By inviting a mix of former leaders, current statesmen, and controversial figures, Donald Trump is assembling a panel that operates outside standard diplomatic channels.
Whether this board can achieve tangible progress where established processes have struggled remains a pressing question. With key players like Putin yet to formally accept and the full scope of the board's mandate unclear, the world will be watching to see if this unconventional strategy can deliver a path toward peace in Gaza.
