Putin offers $1 billion from frozen assets to Trump-backed ‘Board of Peace’

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said Moscow could transfer $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the United States to US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’, a body meant to oversee the Israel–Gaza ceasefire plan — even before Russia formally agrees to join it.

Speaking during a televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council late January 21, Putin said the move reflected Moscow’s “special relationship with the Palestinian people” and its willingness to support international stabilisation efforts.

“Even before we decide on the issue of participation in the composition and work of the ‘Board of Peace’, we could, I think, send $1 billion from Russian assets frozen under the previous US administration,” Putin said.

He added that remaining frozen Russian funds in the US could potentially be used for rebuilding war-ravaged Ukrainian territories once a peace treaty is concluded between Moscow and Kyiv. According to Putin, discussions on this proposal are already underway with representatives of the US administration.

The remarks come ahead of talks between Putin and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, scheduled for Thursday, which are expected to focus on a possible settlement to the Ukraine conflict.

Russia yet to decide on joining the board

Putin began his address by thanking Trump for inviting Russia to join the ‘Board of Peace’, underscoring Moscow’s support for initiatives aimed at global stability.

“We have always supported and continue to support any efforts aimed at strengthening international stability,” he said, while acknowledging what he described as the current US administration’s role in seeking a solution to the Ukraine crisis.

However, Putin said Russia has not yet taken a final call on joining the body. He confirmed that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with examining the proposal, consulting strategic partners, and submitting recommendations before Moscow responds formally.

Dismisses concern over Trump’s Greenland push

Putin also brushed aside questions about Trump’s renewed push for the US acquisition of Greenland, a move that could strain relations with Denmark and unsettle NATO unity.

“What happens to Greenland is none of our business,” he said.

Drawing historical parallels, Putin noted that the US had previously purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million and acquired the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917. He estimated that Greenland’s price, adjusted for historical gold values, could range between $200 million and $1 billion, adding that Washington could “handle that figure”.

“Denmark has always treated Greenland as a colony and has been quite harsh toward it,” Putin said, while stressing that the issue does not concern Moscow and should be resolved between Copenhagen and Washington.

PTI quoted Putin as saying Russia has no stake in the outcome and expects the matter to be settled bilaterally.