UK Delays Participation in Trump’s “Board of Peace” Amid Concerns Over Putin’s Involvement

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced that the UK will not immediately sign onto US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, citing concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s potential participation.

Speaking to the BBC from Davos, Cooper said the UK had received an invitation to join the board but “won’t be one of the signatories today” during the planned ceremony at the World Economic Forum. She described the initiative as “a legal treaty that raises much broader issues” than its initial focus on ending the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The board’s founding charter, proposed by the White House, does not mention Gaza specifically and appears designed to take on functions that overlap with the United Nations. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel have already agreed to participate. President Trump claimed at Davos that Putin had accepted an invitation, though the Russian leader has not confirmed this and previously stated that Russia was still reviewing the proposal.

Cooper said the UK supports Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict and intends to engage in “phase two” of the peace process. However, she stressed that London will hold off signing the charter due to its broader implications and concerns over Putin’s involvement in a peace initiative while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.

She added: “Putin has shown no willingness to come and make that agreement, and that’s where the pressure needs to be now. But we will continue international discussions, including with our allies.”

The announcement comes as US-UK relations face tensions following Trump’s previous threats to impose tariffs on European nations over Greenland. Trump has since stepped back, exploring a potential deal with NATO on the island and dropping plans for tariffs and military action. Cooper welcomed this apparent de-escalation, noting that the UK and European partners had presented “positive, constructive proposals” on Arctic security.

The Board of Peace, originally unveiled as part of a plan to rebuild Gaza, has a founding charter that extends beyond the territory, outlining an international organisation tasked with promoting stability, governance, and peace in conflict-affected areas. The charter will come into force once three states formally agree, with renewable three-year terms and permanent seats available to those contributing $1 billion. Trump is listed as chairman and US representative, with authority to appoint executive board members and create subsidiary bodies.

The White House has already named seven founding Executive Board members, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Additional countries joining include Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while the Vatican has reportedly received an invitation.