US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to join his new Peace Council, which will oversee the next phase of the Gaza peace plan.
Trump confirmed Putin’s invitation while speaking to reporters at the College Football National Championship Game in Florida, where Indiana defeated Miami.
“Yes, he’s invited,” Trump told reporters.
SIX COUNTRIES CONFIRMS US INVITATIONS TO GAZA PEACE BOARD
President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The Kremlin said earlier on Monday that Putin had received the invitation, adding that it is now “studying the details” and will seek clarity on “all nuances” in communications with the US government.
France has also received an invitation but does not intend to join the Peace Council “at this stage,” a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.
The French official said the issue raises questions, especially regarding respect for the principles and structure of the United Nations.
US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
When Trump was asked during the championship match whether Macron was unlikely to participate, he lashed out at his French counterpart and threatened tariffs for refusing to accept the invitation.
“Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to resign very soon,” Trump said of Macron.
“I will impose a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he will join in,” he added. “But he doesn’t have to participate.”
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US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands. (REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool)
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Several other countries have also received invitations, including Israel, Canada, Belarus, Slovenia and Thailand.
Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary and Argentina have already accepted invitations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
