Image Credentials: Image Title: Kremlin Calls Participation in Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” Premature, Seeking “Nuance” from Washington Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle News Desk | January 20, 2026
MOSCOW / DAVOS – The Kremlin has officially responded to an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a newly proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza, calling any talk of immediate participation “premature.” While confirming that a formal invitation was received through diplomatic channels, Moscow indicated it is not yet ready to commit to the initiative, which seeks to oversee the reconstruction and future governance of the war-torn territory.
The proposal has become a centerpiece of discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where global leaders are weighing the implications of a Trump-led body that some fear is designed to bypass the United Nations.
“Clarifying the Nuances”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that while President Putin is “studying the proposal,” Russia requires significantly more information before making a decision.
“At the moment, we are studying all the details of this proposal and hope to have contacts with the American side to clarify all the nuances,” Peskov stated. He emphasized that Russia’s primary interest remains a “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East, but noted that the structure and authority of this new board remain vaguely defined in its current charter.
A High Price for a Seat
The invitation, which was sent to dozens of world leaders, includes a controversial “membership structure” reminiscent of an elite club. According to the draft charter, countries seeking a permanent seat on the board are expected to contribute $1 billion toward Gaza’s reconstruction. Those who do not pay the fee will be limited to a three-year term.
Trump confirmed the invitation to Putin on Monday evening, describing the Russian leader as one of several “world leaders” essential to resolving global conflict. “Yes, he’s one of the people,” Trump told reporters. “These are world leaders. And the answer is yes.”
Diplomatic Friction and Snubs
While Russia remains cautious, other leaders have been more vocal. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly declined the invitation, citing concerns over the board’s potential to undermine the UN Security Council. In response, Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wines and champagnes, remarking, “Nobody wants him [Macron] because he’s going to be out of office very soon anyway.”
In contrast, leaders from the UAE, Hungary, and Belarus have signaled their willingness to participate, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are reportedly still reviewing the offer.
The UN Alternative?
Critics in Brussels and New York have expressed alarm that the “Board of Peace” is a “subversive” attempt to create a rival to the UN Security Council. The board, chaired by Trump himself, currently includes figures such as former British PM Tony Blair, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner.
For Putin, joining the board would represent a significant return to the center of global diplomacy following years of isolation over the invasion of Ukraine. However, analysts suggest Moscow may use the “nuance” of the negotiations to seek concessions elsewhere, potentially linking its cooperation in Gaza to its interests in Eastern Europe.