Lavrov backs Trump's "Peace Board"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that he takes a positive view of US President Donald Trump's idea of creating a "Board of Peace".

Lavrov said at a press conference reviewing the work of Russian diplomacy in 2025 Russia recently received specific proposals, including a draft charter for the "Board of Peace".

He added that the initiative reflects an understanding in the US that even Washington, "with its own foreign policy philosophy, recognises the need to bring together groups of countries willing to cooperate in specific areas".

Lavrov believes the Trump administration is "an administration of pragmatists".

"It understands the need not only to unite many partners under its leadership, but also to take full account of their legitimate interests," he said.

According to Trump's plans, the "Board of Peace" focused on Gaza is to be established under the broader umbrella of his "Board of Peace". Participating countries would reportedly be required to contribute US$1 billion each.

Trump has invited a number of European countries and Canada, as well as Russia and Belarus, to join the "Board of Peace".

Media outlets have reported that French President Emmanuel Macron will not accept the invitation.