Trump Set to Introduce ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos

US President Donald Trump is set to present his newly created “Board of Peace” and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, reinforcing his self-styled image as a global peacemaker. This comes a day after he eased tensions by withdrawing earlier threats over Greenland.

On Wednesday, Trump announced he would abandon proposed tariffs on Europe and rule out the use of military force to take Greenland from Denmark, moves that helped calm a dispute that had unsettled the gathering of world leaders and business elites.

During his second day in the Swiss resort, Trump plans to promote the “Board of Peace,” a controversial initiative aimed at resolving international conflicts, with a formal signing of its charter. The body reportedly requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, and Trump has invited leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban to participate.

Calling it “the greatest board ever formed,” Trump made the remarks while meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, one of the leaders who has agreed to join. The board’s launch follows Trump’s long-standing frustration at not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended multiple conflicts.

Although initially conceived to oversee post-war reconstruction in Gaza, the board’s mandate extends beyond the territory, raising concerns among some countries that it could rival the United Nations. Allies such as France and Britain have voiced doubts, while several Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have signaled support.

According to a senior administration official, about 35 leaders have committed so far from roughly 50 invitations issued. Trump also said Putin had agreed to join, though the Kremlin has indicated it is still reviewing the proposal.

Putin’s possible inclusion has heightened unease among US allies, particularly Ukraine, which remains locked in a nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Trump said he would meet Zelensky after the Board of Peace session as negotiations toward a ceasefire continue.

Speaking in Davos, Trump argued that both Russia and Ukraine would be “stupid” not to reach an agreement, reiterating his belief that a deal is within reach, even as he alternates between blaming both sides for the lack of progress. He has consistently maintained that Europe and NATO should shoulder more responsibility for supporting Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel from Davos to Moscow alongside Jared Kushner for talks with Putin. Zelensky has expressed concern that Trump’s earlier Greenland ambitions could distract from Ukraine’s war effort.

Late Wednesday, Trump said he had reached a “framework of a future deal” following talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, prompting him to suspend tariffs that were due to affect European allies from February 1. Rutte described the meeting as productive, though he noted that significant work remains regarding Greenland, which Trump argues is strategically vital for US and NATO security amid competition with Russia and China.