Moscow (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – The Kremlin announced Russian President Vladimir Putin has received a formal invitation to join US President Donald Trump’s newly established ‘Board of Peace’ aimed at overseeing Gaza’s ceasefire and reconstruction. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed receipt of a similar invitation, placing both leaders among approximately 60 world figures contacted over the weekend. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Moscow seeks clarification on all proposal details before responding formally.
The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that President Vladimir Putin received diplomatic correspondence inviting him to participate in Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’. The initiative focuses on Gaza ceasefire implementation, demilitarisation, technocratic governance transition, and multi-billion dollar reconstruction efforts.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed journalists during his daily briefing. Peskov stated Russia would seek to “clarify all the nuances” of the offer through direct communications with Washington. The announcement represents the first major US-Russia diplomatic engagement of note since the Ukraine conflict escalation.
War Index provided swift confirmation of the development through social media. War Index (@Warindex1) said in X post,
“🇺🇸🇷🇺🇵🇸⚡️ — NEW: President Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the Gaza Board of Peace, the Kremlin said.”
🇺🇸🇷🇺🇵🇸⚡️ — NEW: President Trump has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the Gaza Board of Peace, the Kremlin said. pic.twitter.com/7Couk6BEQg
— War Index (@Warindex1) January 19, 2026
Board Structure Established Last Week by White House
The White House announced the board’s formation on Friday as part of President Trump’s comprehensive 20-point Gaza peace plan. The entity serves as the strategic oversight body for ceasefire sustainability and Gaza’s transition to stable governance. Executive membership includes high-profile figures from government, finance, and diplomacy.
Donald Trump holds the position of lifetime chair. Other confirmed executive members comprise US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump Middle East envoy and property developer Steve Witkoff, the President’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Two companion bodies support operations. The National Committee for Gaza Administration handles phase two implementation, while the Gaza Executive Board manages daily service delivery and governance functions.
Permanent Membership Requires $1 Billion Contribution
Invitation letters specify that a $1 billion payment secures permanent membership status for nations. The accompanying charter commits signatories to “solidify Peace in the Middle East” while advancing “a bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict”. Non-paying participants receive three-year terms.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed receipt of an invitation through official channels. Islamabad acknowledged the diplomatic correspondence, positioning Pakistan alongside approximately 60 other nations receiving similar outreach.
Sharif’s office issued a measured response. Pakistani government sources indicated Islamabad would evaluate the proposal through appropriate diplomatic consultations with regional partners.
Putin Invitation Context Amid Ukraine Operations
The invitation arrives as Putin maintains military pressure along Ukraine frontlines. Russian forces continue advances despite reported casualties exceeding 600,000. Putin rejected ceasefire proposals along current lines last week.
An International Criminal Court arrest warrant targets Putin over Ukraine war crimes allegations. Social media commentators highlighted this context immediately.
KentishFran (@KentishFran) observed:
“A bit odd as there is an arrest warrant out for Putin in the international Criminal Court 👇 Putin invited to join Trump’s Gaza ‘board of peace’, Kremlin announces #Putin #Gaza”
A bit odd as there is an arrest warrant out for Putin in the international Criminal Court 👇
Putin invited to join Trump’s Gaza ‘board of peace’, Kremlin announces#Putin #Gazahttps://t.co/IWgrMNFZKE— KentishFran #FBPE (@KentishFran) January 19, 2026
Washington appears to disregard the warrant, prioritising geopolitical pragmatism in Middle East stabilisation efforts.
Sharif’s Inclusion Reflects Strategic Regional Priorities
Pakistan’s invitation alongside Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan underscores geographic focus. Sharif maintains working relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other key reconstruction funders.
Pakistan delivered substantial Afghan reconstruction aid historically and committed $10 million to UNRWA for Gaza last year. Islamabad’s engineering corps and CPEC infrastructure experience position the country favourably for reconstruction roles.
Sharif coordinates responses with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation partners. Pakistan hosted Afghan peace processes and maintains Taliban contacts relevant to regional stabilisation.
Kremlin Dispatches Envoy to Davos for US Meetings
Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev confirmed attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Dmitriev scheduled formal meetings with US Treasury, State Department, and National Security Council representatives.
The Kremlin expressed optimism about direct contacts clarifying membership parameters, financial obligations, and expected outcomes. Dmitriev serves as CEO of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, bringing relevant financial expertise.
Gaza board discussions feature prominently on Dmitriev’s Davos agenda. Russian business leaders support reconstruction opportunities presented by the initiative.
November UN Resolution Forms Legal Foundation
A November 2025 UN Security Council resolution endorsed Trump’s ceasefire framework for Gaza. The measure passed 14-1 with Russia abstaining. The board operationalises this multilateral foundation through structured oversight mechanisms.
Phase one consolidates the ceasefire. Phase two implements demilitarisation, deradicalisation protocols, technocratic governance, and infrastructure reconstruction.
World Bank President Ajay Banga coordinates multilateral financing packages supporting reconstruction efforts estimated to exceed $90 billion.
Early Acceptances Signal Growing Momentum
Hungary’s Viktor Orban confirmed participation immediately over the weekend. Vietnam and Kazakhstan announced acceptance Monday morning through official channels.
Sky News reported UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer received an invitation. Starmer responded constructively:
“We welcome President Trump’s focus on sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza and moving on to phase two. We are open to participating constructively in such efforts.”
Only paying members secure permanent voting seats and reconstruction contract priority. Three-year observer status available for non-contributing participants.
European Tensions Complicate Participation Decisions
Trump simultaneously escalates economic pressure on Europe over Greenland acquisition plans. He sent a pointed letter to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre:
“considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the accompanying 10% tariffs targeting Britain, France, and Denmark as “completely wrong.” Starmer emphasised sovereignty:
“any decision on Greenland belongs to people of Greenland and Denmark alone.”
European leaders navigate complex calculations balancing Gaza cooperation against transatlantic trade frictions. The European Commission prepares coordinated responses.
Peskov Remarks on Greenland Acquisition Prospects
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed speculation surrounding US control of Greenland. Peskov stated:
“Here, perhaps, it is possible to abstract from whether this is good or bad, whether it will comply with the parameters of international law or not,”
adding the development “would certainly go down in history.”
Russia maintains competing Arctic claims paralleling Greenland’s strategic location. Peskov’s comments signal Kremlin interest in Trump’s territorial ambitions.
Pakistan’s Sharif Navigates Domestic Considerations
Pakistani opposition parties welcomed the international engagement opportunity. Sharif balances domestic economic challenges against enhanced global positioning.
IMF programme compatibility under review alongside membership fee financing options. Pakistan explores contributions through friendly Gulf states and sovereign wealth alternatives.
Islamabad hosts 1.4 million Afghan refugees, demonstrating large-scale stabilisation capacity applicable to Gaza.
Board Mandate Evolves Beyond Gaza Focus
Originally Gaza-specific, charter language encompasses global conflicts. Reuters detailed membership tiers: permanent status requires payment, standard terms span three years.
Bloomberg confirmed Putin’s invitation arrived through formal diplomatic channels. Moscow assesses strategic, financial, and political dimensions systematically.
The $1 billion structure targets sovereign wealth reserves. Russia’s $200 billion reserves easily accommodate the contribution if approved.
White House Outlines Reconstruction Priorities
Trump’s 20-point plan guides board operations. Core pillars include demilitarisation, deradicalisation, technocratic governance, economic reconstruction, and security guarantees.
Phase two establishes governance avoiding Palestinian Authority or Hamas control. Private sector partnerships drive development under board supervision.
Jared Kushner leads economic working group, drawing on Abraham Accords experience. Steve Witkoff coordinates reconstruction contracts.
Davos Discussions Positioned for Breakthrough
Dmitriev’s Tuesday meetings include US Treasury and State Department principals. Gaza reconstruction funding dominates agenda alongside board membership parameters.
Sharif dispatched economic team to parallel WEF events. Pakistan coordinates with Turkish and Saudi counterparts present.
World Bank President Banga keynotes reconstruction financing session Thursday.
Starmer Coordinates Cautious UK Approach
Downing Street confirmed invitation review through established channels. Starmer balances ceasefire support against financial commitments.
UK pledged £70 million to Gaza reconstruction previously, demonstrating capacity. London coordinates cautiously with EU and Commonwealth partners.
Complete 60-Nation Invitation Distribution
Diplomatic sources confirm 60 formal invitations dispatched. Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, Southeast Asia represent primary focus areas.
China and India remain unconfirmed recipients pending official government statements. African Union observes collective response formulation.
Reconstruction Cost Estimates Drive Urgency
World Bank assesses $90 billion total requirement. Board coordinates multilateral pledges, private investment, and Gulf funding packages.
Private sector commitments exceed $20 billion already materialised. Banga manages blended finance mechanisms.
Kremlin Evaluation Criteria Systematically Applied
Peskov outlined assessment parameters: national interests, financial obligations, expected deliverables, implementation timelines. No artificial deadlines imposed.
Moscow welcomes direct US engagement absent preconditions. Dmitriev reports directly to Putin following Davos consultations.
