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| Vladimir Putin |
Moscow, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly signaled Russia’s willingness to contribute $1 billion to a proposed international body backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, known as the “Board of Peace.”
But the offer comes with a significant condition: the money would not be new Russian funding. Instead, it would be drawn from Russian state assets frozen by the United States during the Biden administration following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Catch: Frozen Assets, Not Fresh Money
According to the proposal as described, Putin suggested that assets currently seized or frozen under U.S. and allied sanctions could be redirected to fund Russia’s contribution. He further indicated that remaining frozen Russian funds could eventually be used for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, reframing the seized assets as a peace-building mechanism rather than punitive leverage.
This framing sharply contrasts with the current Western position, which treats frozen Russian assets as legal instruments tied to sanctions enforcement and potential reparations, not discretionary funds Russia can reallocate.
What Is the “Board of Peace”?
The proposed Board of Peace is described as an international body envisioned by Trump to:
Oversee post-conflict reconstruction, including in Gaza
Act as a forum for resolving or de-escalating global conflicts
Include permanent seats for contributing nations, reportedly secured through large financial commitments
Under the proposal, the $1 billion payment would secure Russia a permanent seat on the board.
No formal charter, legal framework, or participating member list has yet been publicly released, and the body does not currently exist under international law.
Legal and Political Roadblocks
Experts note that Putin’s proposal faces major legal obstacles:
Frozen assets are under U.S. jurisdiction, not Russian control
Redirecting them would require Congressional approval and coordination with allies
Using seized assets to grant political influence could raise serious constitutional and ethics concerns in the United States
Additionally, European allies—many of whom also hold frozen Russian assets—have consistently opposed allowing Moscow to dictate how those funds are used.
Strategic Messaging from Moscow
Analysts see the offer less as a genuine financial concession and more as strategic messaging aimed at:
Recasting Russia as a stakeholder in peace rather than an aggressor
Undermining the legitimacy of sanctions
Testing whether a Trump-led administration would revisit or soften asset seizure policies
By proposing to “pay” with already-seized funds, Moscow effectively avoids economic sacrifice while seeking diplomatic legitimacy.
White House Response Still Unclear
As of now, no official acceptance or rejection of the proposal has been announced. U.S. officials have not confirmed any negotiations over frozen Russian assets or the creation of the Board of Peace.
Until formal statements or documentation emerge, the proposal remains political signaling rather than policy—but one that underscores how frozen assets have become a central battleground in post-war diplomacy.
Putin’s reported $1 billion offer highlights a growing global dispute over who ultimately controls frozen sovereign assets and whether they can be repurposed for diplomacy, reconstruction, or political leverage.
Whether the proposal gains traction or collapses under legal scrutiny, it reflects a broader reality: the war’s financial aftermath may prove just as contentious as the fighting itself.
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