Russia Declines Participation in Trump’s “Board of Peace” Meeting
Moscow distances itself from participation in the Washington-centered initiative, citing an ongoing review and concerns over externally designed frameworks.
Russia | PUREWILAYAH.COM — The Kremlin has confirmed that there’s no plan to participate in the first meeting of the so-called “Board of Peace,” scheduled for February 19 in Washington, signaling Moscow’s reservations toward the US-backed diplomatic initiative.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that no representatives from the presidential administration plan to attend the session, adding that the Russian Foreign Ministry is still studying the proposal.
“The topic of the Board is being examined by the Foreign Ministry,” Peskov said.
Moscow Evaluates Political Implications
Earlier, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told lawmakers in the State Duma that Russia is formulating its official position. He noted that multiple countries — including permanent members of the UN Security Council — have reacted cautiously to the initiative.
Lavrov’s remarks reflect broader skepticism in Moscow regarding diplomatic mechanisms developed outside established multilateral structures.
Russian officials have repeatedly emphasized that any peace process must account for the security interests of all principal actors. Moscow has signaled that it will not participate in frameworks it views as externally constructed without meaningful consultation.
Origins of the Board
The charter of the “Board of Peace” was signed on January 22 by representatives of 19 countries during the World Economic Forum in Davos. US officials later stated that additional countries had joined.
The body was announced following arrangements between Israel and Hamas concerning the administration of Gaza. Its mandate is expected to extend beyond Gaza to other regional conflicts.
The first formal meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington.
By declining to attend, Moscow avoids endorsing a diplomatic platform initiated under US sponsorship and outside traditional multilateral institutions such as the United Nations.
Russian officials have consistently maintained that durable political settlements require inclusive negotiation formats rather than initiatives perceived as politically driven.
The February 19 meeting will proceed without Kremlin participation, underscoring the lack of consensus among major powers regarding the structure and legitimacy of the proposed body. (PW)