Trump Cautiously Welcomes Putin's $1 Billion Peace Board Proposal Using Frozen Assets
US President Donald Trump has offered a measured yet positive response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion that he could utilize frozen Russian assets to pay for entry into Trump's newly proposed "Board of Peace." The exchange highlights ongoing diplomatic maneuvers between the two nations amid global tensions.
Trump's Conditional Openness to the Idea
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump expressed openness to Putin's proposal, but with a key stipulation. He emphasized that the funds must be Putin's own money, not state-controlled assets.
When asked whether he would permit Putin to use frozen Russian assets for the contribution, Trump initially responded, "I don't know about that. I mean, I've heard that." After the reporter clarified that the comment originated directly from Putin himself, Trump remarked, "Very interesting. But he said he's going to use his money. His money. I think that's fine."
Trump further elaborated that Putin had indicated a willingness to contribute $1 billion to join the Board of Peace. "He's going to join the Board of Peace and he's going to make a contribution of a billion dollars by using his money. I mean, if he's using his money, that's great. I think it's important to have everybody," Trump stated, underscoring his desire for broad international participation.
Putin's Signals on Frozen Assets and Peace Efforts
Earlier, Putin had suggested that Russia could contribute $1 billion from Russian assets currently frozen in the United States to Trump's Board of Peace. This proposal represents a significant diplomatic overture, potentially leveraging frozen funds for peace initiatives.
Putin also noted that frozen funds could later be repurposed to rebuild Ukrainian regions after a peace treaty is signed, linking the asset issue to broader conflict resolution efforts. He revealed that the proposal had been discussed with Washington and would be taken up during talks with Trump's envoys in Moscow, indicating ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations.
About Trump's Board of Peace Initiative
Trump formally signed the charter of the Board of Peace at Davos on Thursday, marking a key step in launching this international body. Permanent membership is likely to require a substantial $1 billion contribution, as hinted by the discussions with Putin.
The Board was initially tasked with overseeing peace efforts linked to Gaza, but its scope is not limited to that region. This broad mandate has raised concerns among some observers that it could function as a parallel forum to the United Nations, potentially altering global diplomatic dynamics.
So far, around 35 world leaders have confirmed participation, with strong backing from several Middle Eastern countries. However, key US allies such as France and the United Kingdom have expressed doubts about the initiative and have opted to stay away for now, highlighting divisions in the international community.
The development underscores the complex interplay between financial assets, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in contemporary geopolitics, with Trump and Putin at the center of these evolving discussions.
