Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is ready to allocate up to $1 billion from Russian sovereign assets frozen in the United States to support a newly proposed international peace body aimed at managing post-conflict transitions, including efforts linked to Gaza.
Putin made the remarks during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, confirming he had received a personal invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the proposed Peace Council, also referred to as the Board of Peace.
The initiative, championed by Trump, is intended to coordinate international peacebuilding, reconstruction and transitional governance in conflict zones, starting with Gaza after months of war and humanitarian crisis.
Russia’s Offer and Conditions
Putin said Russia could contribute the funds from assets frozen under U.S. sanctions, even before a final decision is made on Moscow’s formal membership in the body. He described the move as consistent with Russia’s support for international stability and its long-standing ties with the Palestinian people.
However, the Kremlin noted that any transfer would depend on legal and diplomatic arrangements in Washington, as Russia continues to contest the freezing of its assets, which it says was unlawful.
Putin has instructed the Russian Foreign Ministry to study the Peace Council proposal, consult strategic partners and advise on Russia’s next steps.
Background: Frozen Assets
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western countries froze hundreds of billions of dollars in Russian sovereign assets, most of them held in Europe, with a smaller portion in the United States.
The assets have remained a major point of contention, with Ukraine and some Western officials arguing they should be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction rather than new international initiatives.
Diplomatic Implications
Analysts say the proposal signals a rare area of potential cooperation between Washington and Moscow, despite deep disagreements over Ukraine and global security. It could also give Russia a prominent role in shaping Middle East peace efforts, a move likely to draw mixed reactions internationally.
Putin is expected to discuss the proposal further with U.S. envoys and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during upcoming talks in Moscow.
The outcome may influence not only future U.S.–Russia diplomacy but also how frozen sovereign assets are used as tools of international negotiation.
