UK Government Voices Concern Over Putin's Potential Role in Trump's Gaza Peace Initiative
Downing Street has described the prospect of Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting on Donald Trump's proposed "Board of Peace" for Gaza as "concerning," while confirming that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is still considering whether to accept an invitation to join the controversial initiative.
Diplomatic Tensions Emerge Over Peace Plan Composition
The board forms a central component of the US president's ambitious 20-point peace plan aimed at establishing a sustained resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This international body is expected to play a significant role in governing Gaza during the medium term, with Mr Trump intending to chair the organisation personally while inviting world leaders to participate.
Reports indicating that both President Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Aleksandr Lukashenko have received invitations to join have sparked considerable controversy within British political circles. Ministers voiced strong objections to these potential appointments on Monday, creating diplomatic friction around the proposed peace mechanism.
Government Ministers Voice Strong Opposition
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper delivered a firm statement regarding the Russian leader's potential involvement, asserting that "Putin is not a man of peace, and I don't think he belongs in any organisation with peace in the name." She emphasised that the "most important organisation" for Gaza's future should be the Palestinian-led National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, stating unequivocally that "Gaza should be run by Palestinians."
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones echoed these sentiments during a BBC Radio 4 interview, describing the notion of Putin's participation as "absurd" and agreeing that "President Putin is not a man of peace." These comments reflect the government's apparent opposition to Russian involvement in the peace initiative.
Downing Street's Official Position
The Prime Minister's official spokesman addressed journalists on Tuesday, stating: "We are concerned about reports that Putin and Lukashenko could be members of the board. Putin is the aggressor in an illegal war against Ukraine, and he has shown time and time again that he is not serious about peace."
The spokesman confirmed that discussions with international partners about the peace board are ongoing, adding: "We continue to work closely with our partners and allies in the region on the UK's role in supporting the next phase of the 20-point peace plan, and we continue also to welcome the leadership of the United States in working towards a sustainable and lasting peace in Gaza."
International Response and Financial Requirements
Several nations have already indicated their intention to join the venture, including Albania, Canada and Uzbekistan. However, the initiative has faced criticism regarding its financial requirements, with reports suggesting that leaders are being asked to contribute approximately one billion US dollars (£740 million) to secure a permanent seat on the board.
The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that President Putin had received an offer to participate, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Moscow was "studying all details of this offer." When questioned about the invitation, Mr Trump confirmed he had extended the offer to the Russian leader, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Broader Political Context and UK Considerations
Sir Keir Starmer is understood to have received his invitation to join the board over the weekend, though the Prime Minister's spokesman declined to specify when a formal response might be expected. The peace project already includes notable figures such as former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair among its executive members, alongside Trump administration associates Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff.
This development comes amid broader diplomatic tensions, highlighted by Mr Trump's reaction to President Macron's initial reluctance to participate. The US president threatened to impose substantial tariffs on French wines and champagnes, stating: "I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes. And he'll join. But he doesn't have to join."
As the UK government continues its deliberations regarding participation in this controversial peace initiative, the composition of the proposed board and the involvement of leaders like President Putin remain significant points of diplomatic concern and international discussion.
