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U.S. Funding Freeze Disrupts Ukraine's War Crimes Investigation Efforts
The Trump administration's halt of foreign aid is affecting international efforts to hold Russia accountable for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Projects valued at $89 million face disruptions, impacting investigations into over 140,000 war crime cases.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-10
U.S. Funding Freeze Disrupts Ukraine's War Crimes Investigation Efforts

The Hague/Kyiv: The freeze on foreign funding imposed by the Trump administration is now hampering international efforts to investigate alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. According to eight sources and a Ukrainian document reviewed by Reuters, this decision has stalled dozens of jobs and halted tens of millions of dollars in aid.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has opened over 140,000 war crime cases. The devastating conflict has killed tens of thousands, destroyed extensive areas, and inflicted lasting mental and physical trauma on its people. Despite consistent denial by Moscow, accusations of war crimes persist against Russian forces.

One of the major initiatives at risk is the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine (ACA), a U.S.-funded international program that has provided critical expertise and oversight to Ukrainian authorities. Kyiv has been commended by Western allies for its proactive investigations despite the ongoing conflict.

A Ukrainian document reviewed by Reuters reveals that six U.S.-funded projects at the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) worth $89 million are now in jeopardy. These projects are essential for supporting the country's justice system as it tackles war crime allegations.

Concerns Over Justice Efforts
Legal experts and Ukrainian officials warn that the funding freeze could significantly slow down efforts to collect and preserve evidence of war crimes, potentially impacting future prosecutions.

"The international community’s support is vital in documenting these atrocities and ensuring justice is served," said an official from Ukraine's PGO, who wished to remain anonymous.

Call for Resolution
Observers are urging the U.S. administration to reconsider its funding freeze, stressing the importance of continued international collaboration in holding perpetrators accountable for atrocities committed during the war.
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UkraineCrisis

WarCrimes

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