Russia said on Monday, January 19, that President Vladimir Putin has been invited by his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to be a part of the 'Board of Peace,' which would be overseeing Israel's future steps in Gaza, AFP reported. The Kremlin has always tried to balance relations with all major powers in the Middle East, including Israel and Palestine, ever since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Russia's shifting Middle East ties
But the Kremlin's position has changed ever since the war with Ukraine started, and Israel embroiled in conflict with Palestine. Russia has since fostered stronger ties Israel's enemies like Iran. Amid rising isolation from the West, Moscow has sought to better its relationship with the Gulf states.
On being invited to the 'Board of Peace,' Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists, "President Putin also received an invitation to join this Board of Peace."
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The White House has contacted several global figures to join the 'Board of Peace,' which is to be chaired by the US President. Russia, meanwhile, said it wants to "clarify all the nuances" of the proposal with Washington, without saying whether President Vladimir Putin is willing to be part of it, AFP reported. Putin has earlier spoken positively about Donald Trump's attempts to help resolve conflicts.
Putin's view on Trump's peace efforts
In October last year, President Putin said, "He's really doing a lot to resolve these complex crises, which have lasted for years, even decades," referring to US President Donald Trump's supposed efforts to stop wars across the world.
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Russia's good relations with Israel were affected after the conflict with Palestine started. Israel has a large Russian-born community. The October 7 attacks on Gaza were criticised by Russia, which has called for the halting of the conflict since.
