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United States President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the newly formed U.S.-led Board of Peace, an international initiative tied to Washington’s plan for postwar governance in Gaza.
“He’s been invited,” Trump told reporters, confirming earlier remarks from the Kremlin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier Monday that Putin received the invitation through diplomatic channels and that Moscow is reviewing the proposal.
“Yes, indeed, President Putin also received, through diplomatic channels, an invitation to join this very Council of Peace,” Peskov said. “At the moment, we are examining all the details of this proposal, including hoping for contacts with the American side to clarify all the nuances.”
The White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace on Friday, saying it would “play an essential role” in implementing Trump’s 20-point plan to permanently end Israel’s war on Gaza and oversee the territory’s transition from conflict to reconstruction.
According to the statement, the board will provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources and ensure accountability during Gaza’s postwar administration.
As part of the same framework, Washington established the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to implement phase two of Trump’s plan, alongside a founding Executive Board and a Gaza Executive Board to support the committee’s work.
Trump also reacted Monday to reports that French President Emmanuel Macron does not intend to join the Board of Peace, brushing off the remarks and threatening steep tariffs.
“Did he say that?” Trump asked reporters in Miami after attending the College Football National Championship Game.
“Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said when asked about Macron’s reported refusal.
Trump added that if the reports prove accurate, he might impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne.
“I may put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join,” Trump said. “He doesn’t have to join.”
French broadcaster BFM TV, citing sources close to Macron, reported that the French leader plans to decline the invitation, citing concerns that the initiative extends beyond Gaza and could undermine the principles and structure of the United Nations.
Trump has invited several heads of state and government to join the Board of Peace, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The White House said additional members and institutional details of the board will be announced in the coming days as the US pushes ahead with the second phase of its Gaza plan.
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