PUTIN PLEDGES $1 BILLION FOR GAZA RECONSTRUCTION AFTER MOSCOW TALKS WITH ABBAS

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia is prepared to provide $1 billion (approximately ₹8,300 crore) in assistance to support the Palestinian people, with a focus on reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip and broader humanitarian relief.The commitment was made on February 20, 2026, during high-level talks in Moscow with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting centered on humanitarian needs in Gaza, regional stability, and diplomatic pathways toward resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.Funding Framework and Frozen AssetsAccording to the Kremlin, the proposed funding would be channelled through a newly discussed international mechanism referred to as the “Board of Peace.” The initiative is reportedly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, and is aimed at coordinating reconstruction funding and long-term stabilization efforts in Palestinian territories.Putin stated that Russia intends to source the $1 billion from frozen Russian assets currently held in the United States. However, such a transfer would require legal authorization and coordination with Washington before implementation.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is currently the only country to have publicly pledged assistance at this financial level for Palestinian reconstruction.Russia’s Expanding Role in Middle East DiplomacyThe pledge highlights Moscow’s intention to expand its diplomatic influence in the Middle East while strengthening ties with Palestinian leadership amid the ongoing regional crisis.