The Kremlin announced that U.S. President Donald Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the so-called “Peace Council,” which is intended to oversee the implementation of the American peace plan and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. This was reported by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, whose words were cited by Russian state media.
According to him, Moscow is currently “studying the details of the proposal” and expects contacts with the American side to clarify the conditions of Putin’s possible participation in the new international format.
The Kremlin’s statement comes amid active efforts by the Trump administration to position itself as a key global peacemaker – even involving leaders of states that are themselves under sanctions and engaged in wars.
Hungary and Belarus Are Also Joining
Hungary officially joins Trump’s Peace Council. Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on January 18 that he had received a personal invitation from the U.S. president and agreed to become one of the founders of the new body:
“The efforts of Hungary to achieve peace are being recognized. President Trump invited us to join the Peace Council as founders. We, of course, accepted this honorable invitation,” Orban said.
It should be noted that the Hungarian government systematically blocks aid to Ukraine, criticizes sanctions against Russia, and maintains contacts with the Kremlin.
The self-proclaimed President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, also received an invitation to the Peace Council. Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ruslan Varankov stated that the U.S. proposal was “positively assessed” and that Belarus is ready to participate in the Council’s activities, hoping for an expanded mandate.
At the same time, Belarus actively supports Russia’s aggression against Ukraine by providing its territory for stationing Russian troops, logistical support, and missile launches, as well as helping the Kremlin circumvent international restrictions and evade sanctions.
What Is Trump’s Peace Council
The “Peace Council” was created by the U.S. to implement Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The body is intended to provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources, and monitor the region’s transition from war to reconstruction.
Meanwhile, according to the Financial Times, Washington is discussing the possibility of expanding the Council not only to Gaza but also to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the crisis in Venezuela. The idea has already caused concern among Western and Arab diplomats.
Trump Is No Longer Limited to Rhetoric About Peace
Against the backdrop of Kremlin statements, the broader foreign policy context is also important. Recently, it became known that Donald Trump sent a letter to the Norwegian Prime Minister, stating that after being denied the Nobel Peace Prize, he is no longer “obliged to think exclusively about peace.”
In the letter, Trump emphasized that he will now prioritize U.S. interests over abstract peace initiatives and directly linked this to a tougher policy on security and control of strategic regions.
Conclusion
Thus, the formation of Trump’s “Peace Council” increasingly raises questions about its real purpose and value orientation. Involving Russia and pro-Russian governments in peace initiatives amid ongoing wars and sanctions casts doubt on the Council’s ability to serve as a neutral conflict-resolution mechanism and heightens concerns about the politicization of the concept of peace.
