Putin Joins Trump’s “Board of Peace”; Western Unity at Risk, Experts Warn

Washington/Moscow/Davos: U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign the charter for his Gaza-focused “Board of Peace” on Thursday, January 22, in Davos. However, so far, no major European power has agreed to participate. In a move that could challenge Western cohesion, Trump announced on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to join the board.

The announcement comes amid reluctance from Europe’s leading nations, raising concerns that Trump’s initiative could escalate tensions between the U.S. and its European allies. The Kremlin, however, stated that Russia’s Foreign Ministry is still reviewing the proposal.

Moscow Weighs Participation
Russia views the invitation as a strategic opportunity. Trump has set a $1 billion fee for permanent board membership, and Moscow has indicated it may use assets seized during the Ukraine conflict to pay this amount.

Global Invitations and Reactions
Trump has sent invitations to 59 world leaders. Israel initially objected to Turkey and Qatar’s participation, claiming the board was formed without coordinating with its officials, but later agreed to join. Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, have also signaled their readiness to participate.

According to Russia’s RIA news agency, Putin received the invitation three days ago and discussed it with the National Security Council. Moscow will respond only after the Foreign Ministry reviews the agreement and consults strategic partners.

Europe Keeps Its Distance
European powers have shown little enthusiasm. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, considered a Trump ally, said she could not respond immediately and requested time to consider the invitation. Germany and France have declined participation.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump maintained that “everyone wants to join” the board and claimed that Putin had accepted the invitation.

Confirmed and Pending Members
Countries that have publicly accepted Trump’s invitation include Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Morocco, Qatar, Jordan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina, Belarus, Kosovo, and Pakistan.

Special envoy Steve Whitcoff stated that 20–25 leaders have already agreed to join. China has also been invited but has not confirmed its participation. Reports indicate that the board charter is scheduled to be signed at the forum on Thursday.

Ukraine Faces Diplomatic Dilemma
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also been invited, creating a delicate situation as he continues to label Russia a war criminal. Zelensky told journalists that the invitation is under review and admitted, “Honestly, Russia is our enemy. Belarus is its ally. It is difficult for me to imagine sitting on the same board with Russia.”