Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has stated that the UK will not yet be signing up to US President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace over concerns regarding Russian leader Vladimir Putin's possible participation.
Cooper told the BBC that the UK had been invited to join the board but won't be one of the signatories today at a planned ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The foreign secretary described the board as a legal treaty that raises much broader issues than its intended focus on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The charter proposed by the White House does not mention Palestinian territories and appears to be designed to replace some functions of the United Nations.
Countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel have agreed to join the board, and President Trump indicated that Putin had accepted an invitation to the initiative, although Putin has not confirmed this and mentioned that his country is still evaluating the invitation.
Cooper supported Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict and expressed the UK's desire to contribute to the peace process, but maintained that they would abstain from signing due to the complexities involved, particularly regarding Putin's involvement.
Cooper emphasized the lack of commitment from Putin towards peace in Ukraine, stating that he has shown no willingness to negotiate a peaceful resolution. She mentioned that the UK still supports international dialogue with its allies.
Recent tensions have complicated diplomatic relations between the UK and the US, especially after Trump threatened tariffs on Europe unless his demands regarding Greenland were met. However, Trump appears to have shifted his position, agreeing to explore other avenues for Greenland while easing tariff threats.
On the topic of peace initiatives, the UK has consistently backed Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and has expressed intentions to support freedom and democracy in the region, signalling potential troop deployment should a peace agreement be reached.
In anticipation of continued negotiations, President Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos, with both leaders expected to discuss potential advancements towards peace.
