UK Refuses to Join Trump’s Peace Board Over Putin Concerns

Britain will not participate in the signing ceremony for President Trump's Board of Peace, a new international body designed to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and mediate global conflicts. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the decision on Thursday, citing deep concerns about the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin among the board's founding members.

The signing ceremony took place in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump unveiled the charter for what he has described as the most prestigious international body ever formed. The UK's refusal to participate marks a significant break with the American president and signals growing European hesitation about the initiative's scope and composition.

Cooper explained that Britain cannot support a peace initiative that includes a leader who has shown no commitment to ending the war in Ukraine. She told BBC Breakfast that the board raises broader questions about international peace efforts and that the UK remains concerned about Putin's role.

Background

Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in September as part of his plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The concept has since evolved far beyond its original purpose. What began as a body to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and govern the territory through a Palestinian-led administration has transformed into something much larger—an international organization with potential authority over multiple global conflicts.

The board's charter grants Trump, as chairman, extensive executive powers. He can veto decisions and remove members, though some constraints apply. Trump indicated he could hold the position for life. The White House has positioned the board as a complement to existing international structures, though some officials have suggested it could eventually play a role similar to the UN Security Council.

The invitation list expanded dramatically. Trump's administration invited around 60 nations to join, with approximately 35 countries initially agreeing to sign on. The executive board includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan.

Key Details

Cooper's statement reflects broader European unease about the board's structure and Putin's involvement. She emphasized that the UK's decision relates specifically to concerns about Russia's role in a peace initiative.

We won't be one of the signatories today, because this is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues. And we do also have concerns about President Putin being part of something which is talking about peace when we have still not seen any signs from Putin that there will be a commitment to peace in Ukraine.

Several other major European nations have also declined invitations. Norway, Sweden, and France announced they would not join the board, at least for now. Italy's economy minister stated that joining an organization led by a single country's president would violate Italy's constitution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who received an invitation, told media it would be difficult for him to imagine working alongside Russia on any board.

French officials made clear that while they support the Gaza peace plan itself, they worry the board could attempt to replace the United Nations as the primary venue for resolving international conflicts. This concern echoes statements from other European leaders who question whether Trump intends to sidestep the UN in favor of a more selective body.

Trump has been critical of the UN's effectiveness. During a White House press briefing, he said the organization has failed to live up to its potential and that he has personally settled conflicts the UN could not resolve. He suggested the UN should have addressed wars that his administration handled instead. Despite these criticisms, Trump said he believes the UN should continue operating because of its potential.

Countries Joining and Refusing

Countries that have agreed to participate include Israel, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kosovo, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, Qatar, Vietnam, Canada, and Uzbekistan. Some of these nations have close ties to Trump or have recently reached US-brokered peace agreements.

The Kremlin acknowledged receiving an invitation and said it was studying the board's details to understand all the nuances. Putin's acceptance of the invitation has proven controversial, particularly given ongoing tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

What This Means

Britain's refusal to sign on represents a challenge to Trump's vision of a unified international response to global conflicts. The UK has historically maintained close ties to the United States, making this decision particularly significant. Cooper indicated that Britain would remain engaged in discussions about Gaza's future and would work with allies on peace processes, but not through this specific mechanism.

The board's future effectiveness may depend on how many major democracies choose to participate. The absence of key European nations could limit its influence and credibility as a global institution. UN officials have downplayed concerns that the board will replace the organization, noting that numerous regional organizations and alliances have coexisted with the UN for decades without replacing it.

Tensions between Trump and European nations have intensified recently over his stated desire to acquire Greenland. Trump backed down from threats to impose tariffs on European countries after reaching what he called a framework for a future deal over Greenland, but the episode highlighted divisions between Washington and its traditional allies.

The board's role in Gaza remains its most concrete function. It is authorized by the UN Security Council to oversee the territory's transition from conflict to reconstruction and to deploy a temporary international stabilization force. A Palestinian-led body of 15 leaders will handle day-to-day governance, reporting to the Board of Peace. Whether the board can succeed in this limited mandate while managing questions about its broader purpose and composition remains to be seen.