On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to participate in the newly established Board of Peace, which will oversee the next stage of the Gaza peace initiative.

Speaking to the press at the College Football National Championship Game held in Florida, where Indiana triumphed over Miami, Trump confirmed the invitation extended to Putin.

“Yes, he has received an invitation,” Trump stated to the gathered reporters.

The greeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place as Putin arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.  (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Earlier on Monday, the Kremlin announced that Putin had received the invitation and indicated that Russian officials are currently reviewing the details. They are also seeking to clarify “all the nuances” of this proposal through discussions with the U.S. government.

France has also received an invitation but does not plan to join the Board of Peace “at this stage,” a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.

The French official said the issue is raising questions, particularly with regard to respect for the principles and structure of the United Nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

Asked at the championship game about Macron being unlikely to join, Trump took jabs at his French counterpart and threatened tariffs for refusing to accept the invitation.

“Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said of Macron.

“I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join,” he added. “But he doesn’t have to join.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands. (REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/Pool)

Several other countries have also received invitations, including Israel, Canada, Belarus, Slovenia and Thailand.

Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary and Argentina have already accepted invitations.