Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia is ready to contribute $1 billion to US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. He said the money would come from Russian assets that were frozen by the previous US government.
Putin also said the remaining frozen funds could be used to rebuild areas destroyed during the Russia-Ukraine war. However, he made it clear that this step would happen only after Russia and Ukraine sign a peace agreement.
In other words, Moscow is linking the use of these funds directly to a formal end to the conflict.
Decision depends on peace deal
During a televised government meeting, Putin explained that any financial contribution would follow a political settlement.
He stressed that rebuilding war-hit territories would not begin while fighting continues. According to him, peace must come first, and only then can frozen assets be redirected for reconstruction and international initiatives.
Russia studying Trump’s invitation
Trump has invited Putin to join the Board of Peace, which was initially proposed to address the Gaza conflict. Putin said Russia has not yet given a final answer. He noted that officials are still reviewing the proposal.
“The Russian foreign ministry has been charged with studying the documents that were sent to us and to consult on the topic with our strategic partners,” Putin said during the meeting. “It is only after that we’ll be able to reply to the invitation.”
This indicates that Moscow is taking a cautious and procedural approach before committing.
Trump says Putin has accepted
Meanwhile, President Trump has claimed that Putin has already agreed to join the group.
Speaking to reporters in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said, “He was invited, he’s accepted. Many people have accepted,” while referring to the still loosely defined body of global leaders.
So far, the Kremlin has not officially confirmed this claim and continues to say it is reviewing the invitation.
Trump responds to criticism
Trump was also asked about criticism that he is engaging with leaders who are seen as non-democratic. In response, he acknowledged that some members are controversial. However, he defended his approach.
“Some were ‘controversial’ but ‘if I put all babies on the board, it wouldn’t be very much’,” Trump said. His comment suggested that he values influence and reach over political labels.
Countries that have accepted the invite
Several countries have already agreed to join Trump’s Board of Peace.
These include Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar.
In a joint statement, the Saudi foreign ministry announced a “shared decision” by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates to take part.
The statement said the countries support Trump’s “peace efforts” related to the Gaza conflict.
Board’s role and future scope
Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in September last year while outlining his plan to end the Gaza war. Later, he clarified that the board would not be limited to Gaza. Instead, it would also focus on resolving other global conflicts.
According to a draft charter seen by Reuters, Trump will serve as the first chairman of the board. The body will work to promote peace worldwide and help resolve international disputes.