Washington withdraws from IСPA: a signal to Putin or a change of strategy? And what awaits Ukraine?
17 March 2025 18:26
The United States has decided to withdraw from the International Center for the Prosecution of Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), one of the most significant changes in its foreign policy in recent times. The move signals a new course for the White House, which appears to be seeking to improve relations with Moscow and reconsider the US strategic approach to the war in Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing the NYT.
The media outlet notes that the letter has already been received by the Department of Justice, which informed European officials of the US withdrawal from the organization.
What is the ICPA and why did the US participate in it?
The ICPA was established in July 2023 in The Hague under the auspices of Eurojust. Its main goal is to collect evidence for possible international prosecution of Russian officials and military personnel responsible for crimes of aggression. The Center includes Ukraine, Eastern European countries (Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, Slovakia), and representatives of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The only non-European country to support the ICPA was the United States. Washington sent a prosecutor from the Department of Justice and allocated $1 million to support the investigation. Until recently, US involvement was seen as part of a broader strategy to put pressure on Russia, as well as a way to strengthen international legal instruments to hold the Kremlin accountable.
Why is the US withdrawing from the ICPA?
The decision to withdraw from the center is related to the new strategy of the administration of US President Donald Trump, aimed at “rethinking the American approach” to the war in Ukraine. White House sources say the move is part of a “reallocation of resources” within the Justice Department, but European partners see it as a weakening of American support for the justice system.
In addition to withdrawing from the ICPA, the Trump administration also intends to dismantle the War Crimes Investigation Team (WarCAT), a special group of the US Department of Justice established in 2022 to help Ukraine prosecute Russian war criminals. This means that the official U.S. position on bringing Moscow to justice is becoming less rigid.
What are the consequences of the US decision to withdraw from ICPA?
1. Weakening of international pressure on Russia
The United States was one of the key players in collecting evidence of Russia’s war crimes. The US withdrawal from the ICPA may slow down the process of preparing cases at the International Criminal Court and make it more difficult to bring Russian politicians and military personnel to justice.
2. Concerns of European allies
There is growing concern in the EU about further US actions. European partners fear that Washington’s refusal to participate in the investigations may signal a broader adjustment of American policy toward a compromise with Moscow.
3. Potential concessions to Russia
The Trump administration is considering negotiating with the Kremlin to end the war in Ukraine. Rumor has it that possible territorial concessions or redistribution of assets are being discussed. In this context, the withdrawal from the ICPA seems to be part of a broader strategy aimed at easing legal pressure on Moscow.
4. Reduced legal protection of Ukraine
Ukraine needs international legal support to achieve justice for the victims of Russian aggression. Reducing U.S. involvement in investigative processes could harm judicial prospects in cases involving Russian war crimes.
How allies are reacting
Ukraine and Eastern European countries have reacted negatively to Washington’s decision. Kyiv fears that this step will undermine international efforts to bring Russian war criminals to justice. The EU also expressed dissatisfaction, as the US participation in the ICPA was an important symbolic and strategic factor.
The decision also caused concern among human rights organizations. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said that the US withdrawal from the center weakens international human rights mechanisms and could give Russia an excuse to continue to ignore international law.
Although Donald Trump’s administration assures that the United States will not stop supporting Ukraine, the withdrawal from the ICPA and the curtailment of WarCAT indicate possible changes in American foreign policy. This may mean preparations for negotiations with Moscow and the Trump administration’s desire to reduce legal pressure on the Kremlin.
However, the US withdrawal from the ICPA does not mean its disbandment. European countries continue to work on investigating Russian crimes, but without American participation, the process may be delayed and require additional resources.
