Moscow has drawn a clear line in the sand. Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that it will not participate in the inaugural meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, a new initiative championed by President Donald Trump to foster global harmony.
Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova addressed media queries directly, stating unequivocally, ‘Russia will not take part in the upcoming Board of Peace meeting.’ This comes as the ministry continues to evaluate its broader stance on the organization, according to reports from the state news agency TASS.
The decision arrives just days before the scheduled first gathering on February 19. It echoes earlier comments from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who noted Moscow’s ongoing assessment amid cautious responses from Western and Eastern nations, including UN Security Council permanent members.
The Board of Peace emerged from Trump’s vision unveiled last month in Davos, where he signed its charter. Trump hailed it as a monumental step toward ending wars and conflicts worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for peace in a turbulent era.
Trump later turned his attention to Gaza, framing its future through an economic lens. ‘I’m a real estate guy at heart, and it’s all about location,’ he remarked, highlighting the strip’s prime seaside position and untapped potential for redevelopment that could transform lives.
‘Look at this beautiful piece of property,’ Trump added. ‘Look at that location by the sea. What it could do for so many people.’
Russia’s absence underscores deepening geopolitical tensions. While Putin had previously floated donating $1 billion in frozen US assets to the board, the current rebuff signals reluctance to align with the American-led effort. Analysts see this as part of Moscow’s strategy to maintain independence in global forums.