Vladimir Putin suggested the U.S. tap into frozen Russian assets in lieu of the $1 billion payment to be paid by countries who want to join Donald Trump’s group.Pool photo by Alexey Babushkin via AFP/Getty Images

Putin on Trump’s Gaza peace board invite: Not no – POLITICO

22 Jan 2026, 10:56 by Eva Hartog · POLITICO

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is considering U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to the Gaza Board of Peace — but did not agree outright.

He thereby appeared to directly contradict Trump who, on Wednesday evening, said the Russian president had already signed up to join.

Speaking during a video call with members of Russia’s Security Council on Wednesday, Putin thanked Trump for the personal invite, saying “we have always supported, and continue to support, any efforts aimed at strengthening international stability.”