By Charles Switzer
3:06am PDT, Mar 19, 2025
U.S. Withdraws from International War Crimes Investigation
President
Donald Trump's administration announced that the U.S. is withdrawing from the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), the
New York Post reported.
The organization, which the
Joe Biden administration joined in 2023, is dedicated to holding Russian President
Vladimir Putin and other leaders accountable for war crimes committed during the invasion of Ukraine. The decision was communicated in a letter from Eurojust, the ICPA's parent organization, to European allies on Monday, March 17.
Here's where matters stand with Trump's "controversial" decision…
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Trump's Shift in U.S.-Russia Relations
The withdrawal aligns with Donald Trump's broader strategy to mend relations with Russia. The administration has suggested that the decision was based on the need to reallocate resources as part of a larger government overhaul.
Trump has consistently downplayed efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, instead prioritizing diplomatic re-engagement with Vladimir Putin.
Dismantling the DOJ's War Crimes Accountability Efforts
In addition to pulling out of the ICPA, the Donald Trump administration is scaling back the DOJ's War Crimes Accountability Team (WarCAT). Created in 2022 under Attorney General
Merrick Garland, WarCAT was instrumental in assisting Ukrainian prosecutors and law enforcement in documenting and prosecuting war crimes committed by Russian forces.
The group notably pursued charges against four Russian soldiers accused of torturing an American captive during the 2023 attack on Kherson.
International Allies Continue Prosecution Efforts
Despite America's exit, the ICPA remains committed to its mission. The group, which includes prosecutors from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, reaffirmed their dedication to holding perpetrators accountable.
Eurojust President Michael Schmid emphasized that the investigation would proceed, even without U.S. participation.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Accountability
Analysts suggest the U.S. withdrawal from the ICPA signals a shift in its stance on international justice and accountability for war crimes. Critics argue that Donald Trump's decision could weaken efforts to prosecute Russian aggression and diminish America's leadership in human rights enforcement.
While the administration maintains that the move is part of a broader restructuring, it raises concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to upholding international law and supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian occupation.
