(LONDON, UK) – The United Kingdom has decided not to join the United States’ proposed Board of Peace at this stage, citing concerns over the potential involvement of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
The board, announced by US President Donald Trump, is presented as an international initiative aimed at resolving conflicts worldwide. Trump has been described as chairman, with significant decision-making powers under the structure.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the board raises wider legal and political questions than its initial focus on ending the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. She emphasised that Britain would not participate in the signing ceremony at Davos, Switzerland, where the board is being formally launched.
Some traditional allies of the United States have also not committed to joining the initiative. Notably, no other permanent members of the UN Security Council have confirmed their participation. Cooper highlighted that the UK’s decision is influenced by concerns over legitimising Russia’s role on the international stage.
Trump launched the board in Davos with a signing ceremony attended by various world leaders. He stated that the board would not replace the United Nations and expressed optimism that it could help establish enduring peace in the Middle East.
Observers have raised questions about the composition of the board. Shashank Jooshi, defence editor at The Economist, noted that the initiative has attracted primarily autocratic states, monarchies, and some ex-Soviet countries, while very few liberal democracies have joined. Only Hungary, an EU member led by Viktor Orbán, has signed up, reflecting close ties with both Trump and Putin.
European leaders have historically worked to isolate Russia following its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Jooshi warned that normalising Russia’s participation could undermine these efforts.
The board has also sparked debate about the UN’s role. Critics argue that it appears to bypass established international structures, granting Trump extensive powers, which raises concerns about governance and accountability.
In Davos, European leaders have been monitoring developments closely. Discussions within the European Council are expected to focus on relations with the United States, Greenland’s sovereignty, Ukraine, and the implications of the new board.
Cooper also addressed the US-Denmark agreement on Greenland, confirming that Denmark’s sovereignty remains unchanged. The agreement includes discussions on NATO’s Arctic operations, designed to improve situational awareness and security across the region. Cooper stressed that no broader US claims over Greenland’s resources have been made.
