Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the United Kingdom would not immediately join U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, citing concerns over the potential participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Cooper, speaking to the BBC from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, confirmed the UK's invitation to join the board but clarified that it "won't be one of the signatories today" at the signing ceremony.

The Board of Peace, presented by the U.S. as a new international organization for conflict resolution, grants President Trump extensive decision-making authority as its chairman. Cooper described the board as a "legal treaty that raises much broader issues" than its initially stated objective of resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The proposed charter, drafted by the White House, omits any mention of the Palestinian territory. Critics have voiced concerns that the board's structure and mandate suggest an intention to supplant certain functions currently held by the United Nations. This has led to hesitation among some of the United States' traditional allies.

Notably, none of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, and Russia, in addition to the UK – have agreed to join the board at this time. This absence of support from key global powers underscores the reservations surrounding the initiative's potential impact on the existing international order and the established mechanisms for maintaining peace and security. The UN Security Council, since its inception after World War II, has served as the primary global body for addressing threats to international peace and security.

The UK's decision reflects a broader geopolitical context marked by strained relations between the West and Russia, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and allegations of interference in foreign elections. The prospect of collaborating with Putin on a board ostensibly dedicated to peace-building presents a significant challenge for the UK government, given its commitment to supporting Ukraine and upholding international law. The situation remains fluid, and future developments will depend on further negotiations and clarifications regarding the board's mandate and operational framework.