Putin says Russia could pay $1B in frozen assets to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Putin says Russia could pay $1B in frozen assets to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Putin attends a meeting with the Head of the Republic of Adygea, Murat Kumpilov, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia January 20, 2026.
Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow could pay $1 billion from Russian assets frozen abroad to secure permanent membership in Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’.

Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin said he had instructed the Foreign Ministry to examine the proposal and coordinate Russia’s position with partner countries. He said the payment could be drawn from assets frozen during a previous U.S. administration.

“We could send one billion U.S. dollars from Russian assets frozen earlier to the Board of Peace,” Putin said.

The White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace last week, alongside the creation of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, one of several bodies intended to oversee a transitional phase in the territory.

According to statements from invited governments, participation in the board is free for the first three years, after which permanent membership would require a $1 billion contribution.

The announcement comes as phase two of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza takes effect, following months of fighting that have resulted in more than 71,000 deaths and over 171,000 injuries since October 2023, according to local health authorities.

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