U.S. President confirmed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join his new Board of Peace, which will oversee the next stage of the Gaza peace plan.
Trump confirmed Putin’s invitation while addressing reporters at the College Football National Championship Game in Florida, where Indiana beat Miami.
“Yeah, he’s been invited,” Trump informed reporters.
The Kremlin stated earlier on Monday that the invitation, noting that it is currently “reviewing the details” and will seek clarity on “all the nuances” in communications with the U.S. government.
France has also been extended an invitation but does not intend to join the Board of Peace “at this stage,” a French official close to President stated on Monday.
The French official noted that the matter is prompting questions, especially regarding adherence to the principles and framework of the United Nations.
When asked at the championship game about Macron’s unlikelihood of joining, Trump mocked his French counterpart and threatened tariffs in response to refusing the invitation.
“Well, no one wants him since he’ll be leaving office very soon,” Trump commented on Macron.
“I’ll impose a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join,” he added. “But he doesn’t need to join.”
Several additional countries have also received invitations, including Israel, Canada, Belarus, Slovenia, and Thailand.
Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Argentina have already accepted the invitations.