Russia has announced its decision not to participate in the inaugural meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, as confirmed by the country’s Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, mentioned during a news briefing that Russia is currently in the process of formulating its stance on the Board of Peace. The United States is scheduled to host the first meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19, to which Russia will not be sending representatives.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously highlighted that Moscow was actively working on defining its position regarding the Board of Peace. He noted the cautious responses from various countries, including UN Security Council permanent members, towards this initiative. Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier expressed willingness to allocate USD 1 billion from frozen US assets for the Board of Peace, irrespective of Russia’s final decision on participation.
The Board of Peace was introduced by US President Donald Trump at Davos, with a vision to secure peace, facilitate open borders, disarm militant factions, and initiate long-term recovery and economic development in Gaza. Trump emphasized a transition from conflict to reconstruction, underscoring the economic potential of Gaza’s strategic location.
