(WASHINGTON) – US President Donald Trump has sparked significant international debate by inviting the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, and other controversial world leaders to join a newly established Board of Peace.
The initiative, which was originally presented as a mechanism to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza following a ceasefire, appears to be expanding into a global body with a mandate to address conflicts worldwide. According to a draft charter, membership in this exclusive council carries a substantial financial requirement. While nations may be invited for three year terms, a permanent seat on the board requires a cash contribution of 1 billion US Dollars, which is approximately 744.5 million Pounds Sterling.
The invitation list has drawn scrutiny as it includes figures such as Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and Viktor Orban of Hungary, both of whom are frequently described as autocrats.
Critics suggest the board may serve as a collaborative platform for authoritarian regimes rather than a traditional diplomatic forum. The Russian dictator has reportedly received his invitation through diplomatic channels and is currently reviewing the proposal.
This move comes amid heightened tension in Europe, particularly as the Trump administration increases pressure on Denmark regarding the security of Greenland. Trump has claimed that Denmark has failed to eliminate a perceived Russian threat to the island and has not ruled out military intervention or the use of heavy trade tariffs to secure US control of the territory.
Further controversy has emerged regarding the administration’s financial dealings in South America. Recent reports indicate that the US government has facilitated the sale of Venezuelan oil following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. The first of these sales is valued at 500 million US Dollars, or roughly 372.3 million Pounds Sterling. These funds are reportedly being held in Qatari bank accounts under US control. While the White House maintains these assets will be used to stabilise the Venezuelan economy, some legislators have raised concerns about the legality of the President managing seized foreign assets through offshore accounts without traditional congressional oversight.
As the Board of Peace begins its operations, its structure places nearly all executive authority in the hands of the US President. The charter grants the chairman the power to veto any decision and to personally appoint or remove members of the executive committee.
This committee currently includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the President’s son in law, Jared Kushner. While some nations like Hungary and Vietnam have already accepted invitations, others remain sceptical. Ukraine has expressed deep reservations about participating in any council that includes the Russian dictator
