Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled an early commitment of $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the United States to support Palestine’s post-war reconstruction, describing the pledge as a reflection of Moscow’s longstanding ties with the Middle East. The funds would be channelled through U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, should Russia decide to formally join the initiative.
The indication places Russia among a growing number of global actors expressing interest in the Trump-backed peace framework, an initiative that has sparked debate over whether it could undermine the United Nations’ central role in global conflict mediation, particularly amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Putin made the remarks during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, where he also suggested that Moscow could allocate additional frozen funds towards rebuilding damage caused by nearly four years of fighting since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He confirmed that Russia had received a direct invitation from Trump to participate in the proposed peace structure, thanking him for what he described as efforts to advance ceasefire discussions and broader peace initiatives, including those related to Ukraine. Putin reiterated Russia’s stated commitment to global stability and diplomatic engagement.
However, he cautioned that Moscow had not yet reached a final decision on joining the body. According to Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry has been tasked with examining the initiative’s governing framework and consulting with key strategic partners before responding formally.
“As for our participation in the ‘Council of the World,’ the Russian Foreign Ministry has been instructed to study the documents we have received and to consult with our strategic partners. Only after that will we be able to respond to the invitation,” Putin said.
Trump first unveiled the idea of the Board of Peace in September 2025, positioning it as part of his broader pledge to bring an end to the Israel–Gaza war. The body is expected to initially focus on ceasefire negotiations and post-war reconstruction in Gaza, before expanding its mandate to address other international conflicts.
According to Reuters, Trump is expected to serve as the inaugural chairman of the board. A draft charter reviewed by the news agency states that member countries would typically serve three-year terms, unless they contribute $1 billion to the board’s funding, an amount that would secure permanent membership.
The White House has named U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner as members of the initiative’s founding Executive Board.
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