Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new body—the Peace Council—which he claims is intended to serve as an alternative to the United Nations. Among those invited are Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko, and leaders from 49 countries, including European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other world states. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed receipt of the invitation and stated that Russia is currently reviewing the prospect.
Trump’s initiative has sparked mixed reactions globally, particularly because China has so far not been invited, despite its pivotal role in global security and politics. The list includes countries and leaders with conflicting relations, including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already refused to join the Council, expressing concerns over the future of the UN. In response, Trump threatened France with trade restrictions.
The primary aim of creating this Peace Council is seen as an attempt to weaken China’s influence, form a new political platform under US leadership, and bring together not only US allies but also adversaries of China. The Council’s mechanisms and its prospects for effectiveness remain unclear.
Experts are concerned about including states with ongoing conflicts that could complicate prospects for actual peace. Specific tools or resolutions the Council may propose are yet unknown, but the idea is viewed as a challenge to the UN’s relevance and a step toward the upcoming US-China summit.
The invited countries include most EU members, nations from the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and South America. China’s absence is widely interpreted as a sign of the initiative’s anti-China character. Analysts suggest the move aims to shift neutral and pro-Russian countries closer to the US.
Whether the Peace Council can become an influential alternative to the UN remains an open question, as does the prospect of its practical realization.
