Donald Trump says Russia-Ukraine war could end “pretty soon” during the signing of the Board of Peace charter at Davos and highlights progress on global conflicts.
The announcement came during a signing ceremony on Thursday, attended by leaders from several countries who joined the new peace-focused body. (Photo: AP)
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, US President Donald Trump announced a new international initiative called the “Board of Peace” and repeated his assertion that the long-running Russia-Ukraine war could end “pretty soon.”
The announcement came during a signing ceremony on Thursday, attended by leaders from several countries who joined the new peace-focused body.
In his address at the Board of Peace charter signing, Trump claimed that the world has “peace in the Middle East” and that his administration had “settled eight wars.” He said another — referring to the war between Russia and Ukraine — is likely to be resolved soon. “The one I thought was going to be an easy one has turned out to be probably the most difficult,” Trump said, referring to the Ukraine conflict.
#WATCH | Davos, Switzerland: US President Donald Trump participates in the Board of Peace Charter. He says, "Today the world is richer, safer, and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago. We put out all those fires... We were very happy to stop the war that had started… pic.twitter.com/D9DZkJdAA0
— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026
Trump also highlighted the human cost of the war, noting that “last month, 29,000 people died, mostly soldiers” and calling that toll “terrible.” He insisted that negotiators were making significant progress toward peace.
The Board of Peace is a newly formed organisation that Trump promotes as a global body to help mediate and resolve international conflicts beyond its initial focus on the Israel–Hamas ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza. Around 35 nations have committed to joining the board, though the full list of members and their exact mandate remains evolving. Trump described the board as potentially one of the most important international bodies ever formed.
The initiative originated from Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which received backing from the United Nations Security Council. At Davos, Trump made it clear the board’s remit could expand to other conflicts, including Ukraine.
While Trump touted progress, skeptics pointed out that major world powers and traditional US allies have not all signed on to the board. Some nations are hesitant, citing concerns over its structure, membership, and how it may overlap with established international institutions like the United Nations.
Critics also question Trump’s earlier claims about ending multiple wars, noting that some remain unresolved or only partially addressed. Independent analysts have pointed out discrepancies between political rhetoric and on-the-ground realities in conflict zones.
At the Davos ceremony, Trump also spoke about the Gaza conflict and Hamas, saying he expects the group to abandon its weapons. “If Hamas doesn’t do what they promised they will do, I think they probably will, but they were born with rifles in their hands,” Trump said.
“They have to give up their weapons, and if they don’t do that, it is going to be the end of them.”
Experts stress that while political leaders often promote progress in negotiations, there is still no formal ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides have complex conditions and territorial disputes that make a swift resolution difficult. Trump’s suggestion that the conflict will end “pretty soon” reflects diplomatic optimism but also highlights the challenges that remain.
As Trump continues to chair the Board of Peace, global attention will remain on whether this new entity can influence real change in some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. With the Ukraine war now in its fourth year, any meaningful progress toward peace would represent a major shift in international diplomacy.
