Russia to skip first Board of Peace meeting, spokesperson says

Russia will not take part in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, a new international initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on February 12.

According to Zakharova, Moscow is continuing to formulate its position regarding participation in the new format. She did not indicate whether Russia might join future sessions of the body, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The first meeting of the Board of Peace is scheduled for February 19 in Washington, D.C. The organisation, established at President Trump’s initiative, has outlined ambitious goals aimed at addressing major global challenges. 

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will also not attend the Washington meeting. Belarusian officials said the invitation was received too late and that Lukashenko’s schedule had already been finalised, making his participation impossible.

The upcoming meeting may face additional diplomatic headwinds. Several European countries, including France, have indicated they intend to boycott the session, raising questions about the level of international support for the newly formed body.

By Sabina Mammadli