Trump confirms Putin invited to join US-led 'Board of Peace' for Gaza

President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the US-initiated “Board of Peace,” a panel designed to guide Gaza’s post-conflict reconstruction and oversee implementation of Trump’s comprehensive peace plan. Trump’s statement followed an earlier confirmation by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said Moscow is examining the invitation and hopes to clarify details through diplomatic contacts with Washington.

Kremlin’s Cautious Reception

Peskov noted that Russia received the invitation through diplomatic channels and is carefully reviewing the proposal, signaling a potential opening for US-Russian cooperation on Middle Eastern mediation despite ongoing tensions over Ukraine and other global issues. The invitation marks a notable diplomatic outreach from the Trump administration to a traditional US adversary, reflecting the president’s preference for engaging rival powers directly in conflict resolution efforts.

Structure and Mandate of the Board

The White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace on Friday, outlining its role in fulfilling the 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, rebuild the territory, and ensure accountability during the transition from conflict to development. The structure also includes a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and supporting executive boards aimed at implementing what Trump calls the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

Geopolitical Implications

Including Russia in a Gaza peace initiative could complicate Western unity, given Moscow’s strained relations with NATO members and its alignment with Iran and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, it may also provide a channel for leveraging Russian influence with regional actors. The move underscores Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy, where cooperation on one issue is pursued independently of broader geopolitical disputes. How European and regional partners respond to Russia’s potential involvement will test the cohesion of the US-led initiative.