The United Kingdom has opted not to participate in Donald Trump’s Peace Board due to the inclusion of Vladimir Putin in the initiative. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed concerns regarding the Russian leader’s involvement in the US President’s efforts to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict through a signing ceremony scheduled for today.
Cooper stated on BBC Breakfast that the UK would not be signing the legal treaty today, citing broader concerns and a lack of evidence of Putin’s commitment to peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of addressing these critical issues.
Despite this decision, the UK remains supportive of Trump’s 20-point peace plan for the Middle East. There are apprehensions surrounding the participation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, raising worries about authoritarian figures shaping the region’s future.
Trump aims to present his proposals at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with the Kremlin evaluating the invitation to join the board. Trump claimed that Putin had accepted the invitation, despite ongoing consultations with Moscow’s strategic partners.
Notably, several countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Vietnam have already signed up. France recently declared its decision not to join, leading Trump to hint at imposing tariffs on French goods in response.
Amidst these developments, the UK’s stance on Putin’s potential involvement remains cautious, as Moscow continues discussions with its allies before committing to the peace plan.