The proposal, first unveiled in September during Trump’s announcement of a plan to end the Gaza war, has since expanded in scope to include conflicts worldwide, drawing both interest and concern among global leaders.

According to a draft charter seen by officials, Trump will serve as the inaugural chairman of the Board of Peace, giving him broad executive authority over the body’s direction, decision-making and membership structure.

The charter outlines that member countries would typically serve three-year terms, though nations willing to contribute $1 billion toward the board’s funding would be eligible for permanent membership status.

The White House has named several prominent figures to the founding Executive Board, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Officials involved in the initiative say the board is intended to promote peace-building efforts in line with international law, although questions remain over its legal authority and relationship with existing global institutions.

Witkoff stated that up to 25 countries have already accepted invitations to join the Board of Peace, including several Middle Eastern allies of Washington such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

NATO members Turkey and Hungary have also agreed to participate, reflecting their leaders’ close personal ties with Trump and their willingness to engage with alternative diplomatic frameworks.

Other participating nations include Armenia and Azerbaijan, which reached a U.S.-brokered peace agreement last year after talks hosted at the White House.

More controversially, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accepted the invitation, a move that signals a broader thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk despite longstanding Western criticism of Belarus’s human rights record.

Russia and China, both permanent veto-holding members of the U.N. Security Council, have not yet confirmed whether they will join, with diplomats suggesting caution due to concerns about undermining the United Nations.

Trump has dismissed suggestions that the Board of Peace is meant to replace the U.N., stating that the world body should continue its work while his initiative explores alternative pathways to conflict resolution.

Several close U.S. allies have either declined or expressed hesitation, with Norway and Sweden formally rejecting participation and Italy raising constitutional concerns about joining a board led by a single foreign leader.

France is expected to decline as well, prompting Trump to warn of potential trade retaliation, while Canada has agreed in principle but said further discussions are needed on the details.

Ukraine has said it is reviewing the invitation but expressed doubts about joining any forum that might include Russia, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the initiative.

As debate continues, diplomats and analysts remain divided over whether the Board of Peace represents a bold diplomatic experiment or a challenge to established international norms.

While Zelenskiy arrived seeking advanced weaponry such as Tomahawk missiles, the talks ultimately centered on diplomacy, dialogue, and the possibility of a negotiated settlement that could bring an end to years of devastation.

Trump’s tone throughout the meeting was notably conciliatory and focused on immediate de-escalation. “You stop at the battle line, and both sides should go home,” he said, urging Ukraine and Russia to “stop the killing” and return to peace talks. His emphasis on diplomacy over weaponry highlights a broader strategic vision — one that seeks to restore stability through negotiation rather than escalation.

The discussion came at a sensitive moment, as both Russia and Ukraine weigh the human and economic costs of a prolonged war. Trump, who is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks, has positioned himself as a potential mediator capable of reviving dialogue between the two nations.

His willingness to engage with both leaders signals a proactive American role in fostering global peace efforts.

President Zelenskiy, while reiterating Ukraine’s right to defend its sovereignty, acknowledged the importance of Trump’s approach. “We want this. Putin doesn’t want (it),” Zelenskiy said, stressing that Ukraine is prepared to work toward a ceasefire if Russia shows genuine commitment. Despite the challenges, the Ukrainian leader expressed optimism that Trump’s influence could help push Moscow back to the negotiating table.

While Trump did not rule out future military assistance, including the Tomahawk missiles requested by Ukraine, he emphasized that the United States must balance its own defense priorities. “We want Tomahawks also. We don’t want to be giving away things that we need to protect our country,” Trump stated.

His words reflected a cautious but clear message — that long-term peace requires more than arms transfers; it requires mutual compromise and constructive engagement.

The meeting, described as “productive” by Zelenskiy, underscored a shared understanding between the two leaders. Following their private talks, Zelenskiy told reporters that while the U.S. was not immediately providing new weapons, he remained hopeful that Trump’s diplomatic outreach to Putin could lead to an eventual ceasefire.

“President Trump is right, and we have to stop where we are. This is important, to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskiy said.

The international community has responded with cautious optimism. A spokesperson for the European Union welcomed the renewed talks, saying that “any initiative that helps bring peace to Ukraine is a step in the right direction.” The Kremlin also indicated a willingness to continue discussions, noting that while much remains undecided, dialogue remains open.

Observers believe that Trump’s push for direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow could help break the diplomatic stalemate that has persisted since 2022. His approach, blending realism with negotiation, could pave the way for what many hope will be a sustainable peace framework — one that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing security concerns across the region.

Beyond politics, the Trump–Zelenskiy meeting reflected a humanitarian shift in focus — from confrontation to cooperation. Both leaders expressed concern for the millions affected by the conflict and stressed the importance of rebuilding efforts once hostilities cease. Trump’s emphasis on “going home to families” resonated with war-weary populations on both sides.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s continued dialogue with European leaders following the meeting suggests a coordinated international effort to support diplomatic solutions. Analysts note that Ukraine’s resilience, combined with Trump’s outreach to Russia, could create a foundation for renewed negotiations under global supervision.

Although uncertainties remain, the White House discussions symbolized a meaningful step toward peace. President Trump’s call for an immediate halt to hostilities, paired with President Zelenskiy’s pragmatic acknowledgment of the situation, offers a glimpse of hope that the war could shift from the battlefield to the negotiating table.

As the world watches, the possibility of dialogue between Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow stands as a reminder that diplomacy — when backed by determination and goodwill — can still change the course of history.

Both leaders’ focus on stability, humanitarian recovery, and cooperation signals a positive path forward, rekindling hopes for peace in Europe’s most enduring conflict.

“The President is really excited to come to Egypt, and that is the plan, that he comes next week,” Witkoff said during a meeting with El-Sisi, a video of which was released by the Egyptian presidency. The announcement highlights the growing cooperation between the United States and Egypt in supporting regional stability and advancing diplomatic solutions to long-standing conflicts.

The Gaza ceasefire deal, reached through intensive talks in Cairo, marks a significant milestone in Middle East diplomacy. It establishes a framework for peace by implementing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and facilitating a mutually agreed exchange of hostages. Under the agreement, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will be exchanged for hostages currently held in Gaza.

Egypt has long played a pivotal role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and El-Sisi’s invitation to President Trump underscores Cairo’s commitment to fostering dialogue and constructive engagement. The upcoming celebrations aim to not only commemorate the ceasefire but also highlight the collaborative efforts of international partners in promoting peace and security in the region.

“This is a historic moment for the region,” said a senior Egyptian official. “Egypt has worked tirelessly to bring the parties together, and the participation of President Trump will help emphasize the importance of international support for lasting peace.” The joint efforts reflect the broader goal of building a foundation for long-term stability in the Middle East.

Analysts note that the ceasefire is expected to significantly improve conditions on the ground in Gaza. Residents, who have faced years of conflict, look forward to a period of calm that will allow for humanitarian assistance, infrastructure rebuilding, and renewed economic activity. The agreement also creates a framework for ongoing dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian authorities, supported by international partners including Egypt and the United States.

During his visit, President Trump is expected to meet with Egyptian leaders and key regional stakeholders to reaffirm commitments to peace, security, and cooperation. The trip will also underscore the United States’ active engagement in facilitating diplomatic solutions, supporting humanitarian efforts, and encouraging stability in one of the world’s most complex geopolitical regions.

Observers have highlighted the symbolic importance of the visit, noting that high-level international engagement often provides momentum for lasting agreements. The participation of a US President in the celebrations demonstrates global recognition of the progress achieved and the importance of continued dialogue.

Witkoff’s announcement comes at a time when regional diplomacy has been particularly dynamic, with multiple nations engaging in back-channel negotiations to reduce tensions. Egypt’s successful mediation and the upcoming visit signal a new phase of collaboration aimed at sustaining peace and fostering regional cooperation.

The Gaza ceasefire deal represents more than a temporary pause in hostilities; it is a step toward rebuilding trust and creating a framework for constructive engagement. The involvement of global leaders, including President Trump, highlights the international commitment to supporting the Middle East’s path toward peace and stability.

As the region prepares for the upcoming celebrations, there is optimism that this visit and the agreement will serve as a catalyst for future diplomatic initiatives, further reinforcing the role of international cooperation in resolving conflicts and improving lives on the ground.

President Trump’s planned trip to Egypt next week thus symbolizes a positive, forward-looking moment for the Middle East, showcasing the possibilities of diplomacy, international partnership, and shared commitment to peace, and highlighting Egypt’s central role as a facilitator of constructive dialogue.