WASHINGTON, 17 March – The United States is withdrawing from the International Centre for the Prosecution of Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA ), a multinational group established to investigate the Kremlin’s crimes during the invasion of Ukraine.
This was reported by The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the situation.
What do you know about the US decision?
The US Department of Justice has already informed European officials of the withdrawal from the centre. An official announcement is expected to be made on 17 March via an email to be sent to members of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.
The United States was the only country outside Europe to cooperate with the ICPA. Former President Joe Biden ‘s administration joined the group in 2023, declaring its support for investigations against the Russian leadership, including Vladimir Putin.
The ICPA collects evidence of war crimes and brings to justice not only Russia, but also its allies – Belarus, North Korea and Iran – for complicity in the aggression against Ukraine.
Trump administration cuts back on investigative teams
According to the NYT, Donald Trump ‘s administration is also winding down the War Crimes Investigation Team, which was established in 2022 by then US Attorney General Merrick Garland.
This group was staffed by experienced prosecutors and was to coordinate the work of the US Department of Justice in bringing to justice Russian military and political leaders involved in war crimes.
What does this step mean for Ukraine?
The US withdrawal from the ICPA could be a serious blow to international investigations against the Kremlin. It could also complicate the work of the International Criminal Court, which has previously issued an arrest warrant for Putin for deporting Ukrainian children.
The Trump administration’s decision is causing concern among Ukraine’s allies, as it could weaken global pressure on Moscow and complicate future processes of bringing Russian officials and military personnel to justice.
EU officials have not yet commented on the implications of this decision, but the situation threatens to undermine the unity of the international community in the investigation of Russian war crimes.
