Kremlin claims Putin was invited to join Trump’s ‘board of peace’ for Gaza

Vladimir Putin has been invited to join Donald Trump’s “board of peace”, the Kremlin claimed on Monday, adding that it was seriously studying the proposal.

Donald Trump has sought to recruit dozens of world leaders to roles on his board, including Tony Blair, as part of phase two of an ambitious peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and rebuild Gaza.

“Putin received an invitation through diplomatic channels to join the board of peace,” the Russian president’s longtime press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced, adding: “We are studying all the details of this proposal, including hoping to contact the American side to clarify all the nuances.”

Donald Trump, who is to serve as the board’s chair for life, is looking for nations to pay $1bn to stay on the board, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing a draft charter.

The White House said the fee would offer permanent membership for partner countries that “demonstrate a deep commitment to peace, security and prosperity”.

An invitation for Putin would undermine efforts to sanction Russia over its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The draft charter and a letter seen by Reuters said that the peace board would begin by addressing the Gaza conflict before expanding to tackle other conflicts – a plan diplomats warned could harm the work of the United Nations. The Independent was unable to verify the documents.

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When asked about the board, Sir Keir Starmer said that the UK was in talks with allies about the terms of joining. He also said that Britain had indicated its willingness to play a role in phase two of the ceasefire agreement.

On Monday, Germany thanked Mr Trump for his invitation to join, and said it would consider what contribution Berlin could make towards ending the war in Gaza.

A spokesperson for the German government told reporters that it does not share concerns about the board undermining the UN.

“This is the central multilateral framework for us,” they said, adding that the UN is an important instrument in these times of unprecedented crises around the world.

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UN secretary general Antonio Guterres “believes member states are free to associate in different groups”, his spokesperson said on Sunday when asked about the draft charter for the board.

“The United Nations will continue with its mandated work,” deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

Invitations have been addressed to some 60 nations and began arriving in European capitals on Saturday, according to diplomats.

Member states will be limited to a three-year term unless they pay $1bn (£740m) each to fund the board’s activities and earn permanent membership, the letter states.