ADDS MORE REMARKS BY PUTIN
By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow could pay $1 billion from frozen Russian assets for permanent membership in the "Board of Peace," a new international body proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Security Council in Moscow, Putin said he instructed the Foreign Ministry to study the proposal to join the US-promoted body and coordinate the position with partners.
He noted that the proposal primarily concerns the settlement in the Middle East and the search for possible ways to address the urgent needs of the Palestinian people and resolve the acute humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
"It is essential that the legitimate needs and wishes of the Palestinians are taken into account. This includes the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and its basic social infrastructure, health care systems, water supply and ensuring uninterrupted food supply," he said.
Even before making a decision on Russia's participation in the board, "considering Russia's special relationship with the Palestinian people," Moscow could direct $1 billion from the Russian assets frozen to this body, he noted.
"We could send 1 billion US dollars from Russian assets frozen during the previous US administration to the Board of Peace," he said.
Last week, the White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace, along with the approval of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza – one of four bodies designated to manage the transitional phase in the enclave.
According to statements from world leaders invited to join the board, membership is free for the first three years, after which permanent membership costs $1 billion.
The board’s creation coincided with the launch of phase two of a ceasefire agreement that halted Israel’s war on Gaza – a conflict that has killed more than 71,000 people and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023.
Putin added that the remainder of Russia’s frozen assets could be directed toward rebuilding territories damaged by hostilities after a peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine is concluded.
“I plan to discuss all these issues with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, with whom we will hold talks tomorrow, as well as with American representatives – Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are also arriving in Moscow tomorrow to continue the dialogue on Ukrainian settlement issues,” he said.
Turning to the situation around Greenland, Putin noted that Russia has historical experience in resolving similar territorial issues with the US.
“In the 19th century, as far as I remember, in 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the US...And if my memory serves me correctly, the area of Alaska is about 1,717,000 square kilometers, (maybe) a little more. The US bought Alaska from us for $7.2 million,” he said.
He pointed out that Greenland is smaller in area, and adjusting for inflation, its equivalent cost today would be around $200 million to $250 million.
“And the main thing is that Denmark and the US also have their own experience in this regard. As far as I remember, in 1917, Denmark sold and the US bought the Virgin Islands. So such experience also exists,” he added.
“Denmark has always treated Greenland as a colony and has been quite harsh, if not brutal, in its treatment. But this is a matter of another order, and it is unlikely to interest anyone now. But it certainly does not concern us. I think they will sort it out among themselves,” he said.