Bridget Brink, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2022-2025) and Slovakia (2019-2022), criticized President Donald Trump this week for inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to his “Board of Peace,” which Trump claims “might” replace the United Nations.
Note: Trump, who has designated himself Chairman of the Board and a member for life, has invited several countries to join (each leader is asked to bring $1 billion to the table) but not all are chomping at the bit to join, with the reluctant including France, Italy and Norway. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is considering Trump’s invitation, called Putin’s role in the Board of Peace, “concerning.”
Brink, who resigned as Ambassador to Ukraine during Trump’s second term, when she objected to the President’s “pro-Russian approach to the war,” wrote on social media: “Trump invited Putin to his ‘Board of Peace’ while Putin tries to take the heat out for millions of civilians in Ukraine with massive strikes.”
Brink added, “This is not who we are. I resigned & spoke out against Trump when our values were on the line & I’ll do it Congress.”
Trump invited Putin to his “Board of Peace” while Putin tries to take the heat out for millions of civilians in Ukraine with massive strikes.
This is not who we are.
I resigned & spoke out against Trump when our values were on the line & I’ll do it Congress.
— Bridget Brink (@AmbBridgetBrink) January 21, 2026
Brink, a Democrat, is running in Michigan’s 2026 7th Congressional District election for the seat held by incumbent Rep. Tom Barrett (R), who received President Trump’s endorsement in May. Brink is running in the Democratic primary with four other candidates: Navy SEAL veteran Matt Maasdam, Lansing activist William Lawrence, Dr. Muhammad Salman Rais, Elyon Badger and Alexandra Prieditis.