Several other leaders have received invitations but have not yet committed or are still considering their participation, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
There are concerns that Trump could attempt to establish a rival United Nations, an organization he has frequently criticized as ineffective, as the board’s charter doesn’t directly mention Gaza but grants it an expansive mandate to address global conflicts. Trump mentioned Tuesday that his board “might” replace the U.N. but stated, “I believe you got to let the U.N. continue because the potential is so great.”
French President Emmanuel Macron declined the offer outright, with his office expressing concern that the board’s charter “extends beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions” about its potential to undermine the U.N.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contemplating an invitation but criticized Trump’s choice to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“For me, it is very difficult to imagine how we and Russia would be together on a board,” Zelenskyy said. “And this isn’t about the ‘Board of Peace.’ It’s just that Russia is all about a ‘board of war.’ And Belarus as well.”
Putin’s potential involvement faced further criticism from Poland, where an aide to President Karol Nawrocki, known to be an ally of Trump, stated the Kremlin was “at odds” with Warsaw.
The Trump administration requires countries seeking a permanent seat on the board to contribute at least $1 billion. Those who do not will only have a three-year term. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that while he would participate, Ottawa would not pay the membership fee.
The board’s executive committee is planned to include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
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