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Russia Skips US-Led Board of Peace Meeting, Citing Ongoing Position Review

Russia has announced it will not participate in the first meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, scheduled for February 19. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that work to formulate Russia's official position on the initiative is still ongoing. The announcement follows earlier comments from President Vladimir Putin expressing readiness to commit $1 billion from frozen US assets to the board. The initiative was launched by US President Donald Trump at Davos with a focus on peace, demilitarization, and economic reconstruction in Gaza.

Key Points: Russia to Skip First US-Led Board of Peace Meeting

  • Russia declines first meeting
  • Position still being formulated
  • Putin offered $1B from frozen assets
  • Trump launched initiative at Davos
  • Focus on Gaza reconstruction
2 min read

Russia to skip first meeting of Board of Peace

Russia announces it will not attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting as it finalizes its position on the US-backed Gaza initiative.

"Russia will not take part in the upcoming Board of Peace meeting. - Maria Zakharova"

Moscow, Feb 12

Russia will not attend the first meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, the country's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

In response to a question during a news briefing on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated, "Russia will not take part in the [upcoming] Board of Peace meeting."

Zakharova added that "work to formulate" Russia's position on the Board of Peace is ongoing, the country's leading news agency Tass reported.

The foreign ministry spokesperson's remarks come as the US is set to host the first meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow was working to formulate its position about the Board of Peace and was considering "how warily many countries in the West and the East, including permanent members of the UN Security Council, have reacted to this idea."

On January 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow's readiness to spend USD 1 billion from assets frozen in the US on the Board of Peace. He announced that Russia was ready to do so even before it decides whether or not to be part of the initiative.

Last month, US President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace at Davos, outlining a US-backed effort to lock in peace, open crossings, demilitarise armed groups, and begin a long-term reconstruction and economic revival in Gaza. The launch followed the signing of the Board of Peace charter.

"This is a very exciting day," Trump said as he described the initiative as a shift from war to rebuilding.

Trump later framed Gaza's future in economic terms, arguing that redevelopment and geography could reshape the territory's prospects.

"I'm a real estate person at heart, and it's all about location," Trump said. "Look at this location on the sea. Look at this beautiful piece of property, what it could be for so many people."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The whole situation is so complex. While peace in Gaza is desperately needed, any initiative needs genuine buy-in from all key players. Russia skipping the first meeting isn't a good start. Hope diplomacy prevails. 🙏
V
Vikram M
Russia offering $1 billion from frozen assets is a significant gesture, even before deciding to join. Shows they want to be seen as a contributor, not just a participant. The geopolitics here are next level.
S
Sarah B
Trump's "real estate person" comment about Gaza's location is... something else. Reducing a humanitarian crisis and reconstruction to a property deal feels incredibly tone-deaf, even if the goal of peace is noble. The approach matters.
R
Rohit P
Lavrov's point about other UNSC members being wary is key. India has always advocated for inclusive, multilateral solutions. If major powers are hesitant, the "Board of Peace" needs to address their concerns to be effective. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
This feels like another chapter in the US-Russia rivalry playing out on a global stage. The people of Gaza need stability and development, not great power politics. Hope the focus remains on ground realities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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