Trump Seeks Inclusion of Russia and China in New ‘Peace Council’ Amidst Global Conflicts
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire to include Russia and China in his newly formed ‘Peace Council,’ an organization he envisions as a key player in resolving global conflicts. The initiative, launched on Thursday, has already secured commitments of $7 billion in aid for Gaza, but faces questions regarding its structure, influence and the willingness of major global powers to participate. Trump’s push for broader inclusion comes as international tensions remain high, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, and as traditional diplomatic avenues face increasing challenges.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Georgia on February 19, 2026, Trump stated, “I would particularly much like to have China and Russia [in the Peace Council]. They’ve been invited. We need them both, we need both viewpoints.” This sentiment underscores Trump’s long-held belief in direct engagement with adversaries, a strategy that often contrasted with more conventional foreign policy approaches during his previous administration. The former president emphasized that numerous countries are currently in the process of seeking parliamentary approval to join the organization, signaling a potential for rapid expansion.
Inaugural Meeting and Financial Commitments
The inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, held in Washington D.C. On Thursday, saw participation from representatives of 49 nations, primarily in an observer capacity. Sixteen countries were represented at the leadership level, with Hungary, Romania, Albania, and Kosovo among the European nations present. A key outcome of the meeting was the pledge of $7 billion in humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, a commitment Trump highlighted as a “great success.” He asserted, “We already have billions of dollars being paid in by countries that are already in. We had some great players today, it was a great success. Everybody is going to seek to be there.”
However, the structure and operational details of the Peace Council remain largely undefined. Trump has described himself as the organization’s “lifelong leader,” but the long-term governance and decision-making processes have not been publicly outlined. This lack of transparency has drawn scrutiny from some observers, who question the council’s potential effectiveness and accountability.
European Caution and Mixed Reactions
Even as Trump suggested that many European countries intend to become full members of the Peace Council, no European nation has yet formally declared its intention to join. Norway, specifically, clarified that a meeting it is hosting regarding aid to Gaza is separate from the Peace Council and that Oslo does not plan to participate in the organization. According to a statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting is solely focused on humanitarian assistance and is not linked to Trump’s initiative. Wp.pl reported on these developments on February 19, 2026.
Crucially, neither Russia nor China has publicly expressed interest in joining the Peace Council. This reticence likely stems from a variety of factors, including geopolitical considerations, existing alliances, and skepticism about the council’s objectives and potential influence. The absence of these major powers raises questions about the council’s ability to address complex global challenges effectively.
Geopolitical Implications and Potential Challenges
Trump’s pursuit of Russia and China’s inclusion reflects a broader strategy of attempting to engage directly with key global actors, even those with whom the United States has significant disagreements. This approach contrasts with more traditional diplomatic methods that often rely on multilateral institutions and alliances. However, critics argue that including Russia, given its ongoing aggression in Ukraine, could legitimize its actions and undermine international efforts to hold it accountable. Similarly, China’s involvement could raise concerns about human rights and its assertive foreign policy in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan.
The Peace Council’s formation also occurs against a backdrop of growing disillusionment with existing international organizations, such as the United Nations, which some perceive as ineffective or biased. Trump has long been critical of the UN, and the Peace Council could be seen as an attempt to create an alternative forum for international cooperation. However, the success of this endeavor will depend on its ability to attract broad-based support and demonstrate tangible results.
The Role of Funding and Future Prospects
The $7 billion pledged for Gaza represents a significant initial financial commitment to the Peace Council. However, the long-term sustainability of the organization will depend on securing ongoing funding from member states and other sources. Trump has indicated that many countries are eager to contribute, but the specific details of the funding model remain unclear. Dziennik.pl reported that Trump stated the organization “already has billions of dollars being paid in by countries that are already in.”
Looking ahead, the Peace Council faces several key challenges. It must establish a clear and transparent governance structure, define its objectives and priorities, and demonstrate its ability to deliver tangible results. Securing the participation of Russia and China would undoubtedly enhance its credibility and influence, but it is far from guaranteed. The organization’s success will ultimately depend on its ability to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and build trust among diverse stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump is actively seeking to include Russia and China in his newly formed ‘Peace Council.’
- The inaugural meeting of the council secured $7 billion in aid for Gaza.
- European nations have expressed caution, with Norway clarifying its aid meeting is separate from the council.
- Neither Russia nor China has yet indicated a willingness to join the organization.
- The Peace Council’s long-term success hinges on establishing a clear governance structure and securing sustained funding.
The next significant development to watch will be the response from Moscow and Beijing regarding potential participation in the Peace Council. Further details regarding the organization’s governance structure and funding model are also expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The world will be closely observing whether this new initiative can truly contribute to resolving global conflicts or if it will remain a largely symbolic endeavor. Share your thoughts on the Peace Council and its potential impact in the comments below.
