Trump's Controversial "Board of Peace" Faces Global Scrutiny
Published 20 January 2026
Highlights
- President Donald Trump has invited Vladimir Putin to join a US-led "Board of Peace" aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- The board, part of Trump's 20-point peace plan, has faced criticism for its perceived deviation from UN principles and its pay-to-play nature.
- French President Emmanuel Macron declined to join, prompting Trump to threaten tariffs on French wine.
- The board's structure and membership remain unclear, with leaders like Belarus's Lukashenko accepting invitations.
- The initiative has sparked concerns over its potential to undermine established international institutions like the UN.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Trump's Controversial "Board of Peace" Faces Global Scrutiny
President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a newly proposed "Board of Peace," a US-led initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This board is a central component of Trump's 20-point plan to bring peace to the region, with the intention of temporarily overseeing Gaza's governance and reconstruction efforts.
International Invitations and Reactions
The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the invitation, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Moscow is reviewing the details. However, the acceptance of this invitation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has already signed on, aligning with Trump's vision. The board's membership is still being finalized, with leaders like UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer considering their participation.
Contentious Dynamics and Criticism
The initiative has not been without controversy. French President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to join led Trump to threaten a 200% tariff on French wine, a move criticized by Macron's administration as ineffective. The board's structure has also drawn skepticism, with critics likening it to a global version of Trump's Mar-a-Lago, suggesting it could undermine the UN's role in international peacekeeping.
A Shift from UN Principles
The board's charter, which lacks explicit references to Gaza, positions it as a permanent body for global peace promotion. This has raised concerns about its alignment with UN principles of self-determination and sovereignty. The board's focus on pragmatism and results-oriented governance has been perceived as a challenge to traditional international institutions.
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Scenario Analysis
The formation of the "Board of Peace" could significantly impact global diplomatic efforts, particularly if it gains traction among world leaders. However, its potential to supplant established bodies like the UN raises questions about the future of international conflict resolution. Experts suggest that the board's success will depend on its ability to foster genuine collaboration and transparency, rather than serving as a platform for unilateral decision-making. As the board's membership and objectives become clearer, its influence on Middle East peace processes and broader global diplomacy will be closely watched.
President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a newly proposed "Board of Peace," a US-led initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This board is a central component of Trump's 20-point plan to bring peace to the region, with the intention of temporarily overseeing Gaza's governance and reconstruction efforts.
International Invitations and Reactions
The Kremlin confirmed receipt of the invitation, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Moscow is reviewing the details. However, the acceptance of this invitation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has already signed on, aligning with Trump's vision. The board's membership is still being finalized, with leaders like UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer considering their participation.
Contentious Dynamics and Criticism
The initiative has not been without controversy. French President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to join led Trump to threaten a 200% tariff on French wine, a move criticized by Macron's administration as ineffective. The board's structure has also drawn skepticism, with critics likening it to a global version of Trump's Mar-a-Lago, suggesting it could undermine the UN's role in international peacekeeping.
A Shift from UN Principles
The board's charter, which lacks explicit references to Gaza, positions it as a permanent body for global peace promotion. This has raised concerns about its alignment with UN principles of self-determination and sovereignty. The board's focus on pragmatism and results-oriented governance has been perceived as a challenge to traditional international institutions.
What this might mean
The formation of the "Board of Peace" could significantly impact global diplomatic efforts, particularly if it gains traction among world leaders. However, its potential to supplant established bodies like the UN raises questions about the future of international conflict resolution. Experts suggest that the board's success will depend on its ability to foster genuine collaboration and transparency, rather than serving as a platform for unilateral decision-making. As the board's membership and objectives become clearer, its influence on Middle East peace processes and broader global diplomacy will be closely watched.
