US President Donald Trump's latest diplomatic initiative has sparked intense debate across capitals and institutions worldwide. His 'board of peace' is an international body intended to oversee ceasefire enforcement and post-war reconstruction in Gaza, with Russian President Vladimir Putin indicating that Moscow could contribute up to £790 million ($1 billion) in exchange for a permanent seat.
The initiative aims to coordinate peacebuilding efforts, disarmament, governance support, and reconstruction in Gaza, with the possibility of expanding its mandate to other conflict zones. Putin's willingness to contribute, potentially using frozen Russian assets, has reverberated across global diplomacy and intensified debate over the board's legitimacy and strategic purpose.
Origins and Mission of Trump's Board of Peace
Trump's board of peace was formally introduced in early January 2026 as part of his administration's post-war framework for Gaza. The board is meant to supervise implementation of a ceasefire, assist in setting up a Palestinian technocratic committee in Gaza, establish an international security force, disarm armed groups such as Hamas, and help with reconstruction.
The board's charter invites world leaders and prominent figures to participate. Member states typically receive three-year terms, but nations willing to contribute $1 billion can secure permanent membership. This funding model has ignited controversy, with critics arguing it conflates financial contributions with diplomatic influence.
Why Putin's $1bn Offer Has Drawn Attention
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is prepared to contribute $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the United States to join Trump's board of peace, prompting a strong international reaction.
Critics say the offer is controversial because the funds are tied to US sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and because it could allow a belligerent in an active conflict to gain influence on a peace body, raising fears the initiative could become pay-to-play rather than impartial.
Who Has Joined and Who Has Declined
Around 19 countries have agreed to join Trump's board of peace, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Hungary, and Vietnam. France, Norway, and Sweden have declined or expressed reservations, highlighting growing diplomatic divisions. According to the Associated Press, the board was initially focused on Gaza but is now being promoted as a broader conflict-resolution mechanism.
Trump has framed the initiative as a global peace model, though critics cited by Al Jazeera warn it could weaken the United Nations and allow financial contributions to shape diplomatic influence rather than consensus-based cooperation.
Online Reaction Reflects Scepticism
Public reaction on social media has been sharply critical, with many users questioning the credibility and optics of the initiative. Commentary has focused on concerns that financial contributions could translate into political influence, undermining the board's stated peace-building purpose.
Nothing says "peace" like a pay-to-play board where a war criminal like Putin buys a lifetime seat with a billion dollars in seized assets. Trump's grift knows no borders—or shame.
— Dr. Cole (@1drcole) January 21, 2026
Others have framed the proposal as political theatre rather than a substantive diplomatic tool, particularly given the involvement of controversial leaders and the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding ongoing conflicts.
👀 pure Comedy
— smokypipe (@smokypipe_) January 21, 2026
Peaceboard with Russia, but needs Greenland because Russia is a threat.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
Beyond its mission in Gaza, Trump's board of peace is attracting scrutiny over its potential to reshape international conflict resolution norms. Some analysts fear that if the board begins operating as a parallel institution with weighted influence tied to financial contributions, it could weaken existing multilateral frameworks that depend on equitable participation rather than resources alone.
European leaders have been especially vocal about concerns that the board may sideline the United Nations and empower only those who can pay for permanent seats, increasing geopolitical friction at a time when cohesive global responses to crises are crucial.
Trump's Board of Peace Comes Into Focus
A formal ceremony launching Trump's board of peace and unveiling its wider membership took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump signed the board's charter as part of the global event.
The Trump administration says the board could reshape international approaches to peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. Its long-term impact, however, will depend on transparent operations, broad global participation, and whether concerns over fairness, accountability, and impartiality are adequately addressed.
