The United States Department of Justice has officially withdrawn from the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), a significant entity established to hold Russian leaders accountable for the invasion of Ukraine. The ICPA, based in The Hague, was created to investigate and address crimes of aggression under international law. Despite this withdrawal, the ICPA's critical work will continue without US participation.
The ICPA operates as a part of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust). It was formed to provide logistical support, training, and direct assistance to Ukrainian prosecutors who are currently examining over 150,000 potential war crimes. These investigations include serious allegations such as the summary execution of prisoners, targeted bombings of civilians, and acts of torture.
The US had been a significant contributor to the ICPA, both financially and through personnel. In November 2023, the Department of Justice provided $1 million to support the center's efforts. Furthermore, the US was the only non-European country to send a prosecutor to partake in its investigations alongside prosecutors from Ukraine, Poland, the Baltic states, Romania, and the international criminal court.
Michael Schmid, a representative affiliated with the ICPA, confirmed the US decision by stating:
"The US authorities have informed me that they will conclude their involvement in the ICPA."
The withdrawal is viewed as a signal of a shifting posture from the White House, suggesting an inclination toward a stance more favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This change also coincides with a reduction in the operations of the Department of Justice's war crimes accountability team. Established by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, this team was specifically tasked with holding Russia accountable for atrocities committed post-invasion.
Despite these developments, Merrick Garland has previously emphasized the United States' commitment to justice and accountability for war crimes. In past statements, he asserted that:
"pursue every avenue of accountability for those who commit war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine"