Putin responds to Trump’s Peace Council invite, says Greenland issue ‘none of our business’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the proposed “Peace Council,” a new international body aimed at addressing global conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue, foreign media reported.

At the same time, Putin distanced Moscow from Trump’s renewed push to bring Greenland under US control, saying the issue was strictly between Washington, Denmark and NATO allies, despite Trump citing Russia as a security concern.

‘None of our business’

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Speaking at a televised meeting of Russia’s National Security Council, Putin said Moscow would not interfere in the Greenland question. "What happens to Greenland is none of our business," Putin said in his televised remarks at the National Security Council meeting.

"Incidentally, Denmark has always treated Greenland as a colony and has been quite harsh, if not cruel, towards it. But that's a different matter entirely, and I doubt anyone's interested in it right now. "It certainly doesn't concern us. I think they'll sort it out among themselves," he added, reminding that in 1917, Denmark had sold the Virgin Islands to the United States. Putin also recalled that in 1867, Russia had sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million.

Putin also indicated Russia’s readiness to financially back the proposed Peace Council, suggesting that frozen Russian assets held in the United States could be used for the purpose. Russian president expressed Russia's willingness to contribute $1 billion to the council, using frozen Russian assets in the US. He made the remarks during a speech to the Russian Security Council on Wednesday.

Also Read: Trump abruptly pulls plug on Greenland tariffs, claims to have formed framework of future deal over Arctic Region

Russia could provide $1 billion, "right now, even before we decide whether we'll take part... in the work of the Board of Peace," the Russian president said, citing Moscow's "special relations with the people of Palestine." He added that the funds could be taken "from the Russian assets frozen by the previous [US] administration," stressing that Moscow "has always supported and continues to support any efforts aimed at strengthening international stability."

Gaza at the core of the proposal

The proposed council is expected to focus on Middle East peace, with particular emphasis on Gaza’s reconstruction and Palestinian humanitarian needs. Putin reportedly thanked Trump for the invitation but said more time was needed to study the proposal and consult Russia’s strategic partners.

This followed Trump’s confirmation on Monday (local time) that Putin had been invited to join the proposed Gaza Board of Peace, alongside several other world leaders.

The Gaza Board of Peace forms part of Phase 2 of Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan aimed at ending the Middle East conflict and overseeing post-war reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Responding to questions from reporters, Trump said Putin was among those invited to participate in the board, which he said would work toward peace and stability in Gaza.

Initially proposed last September, the initiative has since expanded into a broader platform to mediate global conflicts, inviting leaders from around 60 countries. According to a White House statement, executive board members would oversee portfolios critical to Gaza’s long-term stabilisation, including governance reforms, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, funding and capital mobilisation.

Countries committing $1 billion would secure permanent seats on the board, while others could still participate for a three-year term without making the financial contribution. Commentators have noted that a possible US acquisition of Greenland raises security and economic concerns for Russia, which has been seeking to assert its influence across large parts of the Arctic. Moscow has expanded its military presence in the region, which hosts Russia’s Northern Fleet and former Soviet nuclear testing sites.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Trump reiterated that he wants to “get Greenland” but said he would not use force, while criticising European allies and warning NATO against blocking US expansionist goals.

Also Read: Trump @ Davos 2026: POTUS doubles down on Greenland, says Europe ‘heading in wrong direction’

‘World history’

The Kremlin has maintained a cautious tone on Trump’s Greenland ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that it “doesn’t concern us at all,” adding, “I think they’ll figure it out among themselves.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the issue could have far-reaching implications. “Regardless of whether it’s good or bad and whether it complies with international law or not, there are international experts who believe that if Trump takes control of Greenland he will go down in history, and not only the US history but world history,” Peskov said.

“Without discussing whether it’s good or bad, it’s hard not to agree with these experts,” he added. Putin has previously said US interest in Greenland is longstanding, noting that Washington first considered acquiring the territory in the 19th century and later sought to buy it after World War II.

“It’s obvious that the United States will continue to systematically advance its geostrategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic,” Putin said.