President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn from an international group investigating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, signaling a major shift in U.S. foreign policy. The decision represents a stark departure from the Biden administration’s approach to holding Putin accountable for the ongoing conflict – and it could indicate that Trump is close to achieving a peace deal.
At a glance:
• The Trump administration is withdrawing from the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA) against Ukraine
• Biden’s administration had joined the ICPA in 2023 as the only non-European country involved
• The ICPA was established to hold Russia and Vladimir Putin accountable for aggression under international law
• The Justice Department is also reducing the work of its War Crimes Accountability Team created in 2022
• The move comes amid tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
America First Approach to Ukraine Conflict
The Trump administration’s recent withdrawal from the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA) marks a significant policy shift from the previous administration – and it could be an indication that the president is actively negotiating with Russia to bring the war to an end.
The news comes as reports reveal that President Trump was finally able to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone.
The Biden administration had joined the international effort in 2023, making the United States the only non-European country involved in the group. Under Biden’s leadership, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland had announced a $1 million U.S. contribution to the ICPA in November 2023, emphasizing America’s commitment to holding Russia accountable.
Michael Schmid, who leads the international body, confirmed the American withdrawal, stating, “The US authorities have informed me that they will conclude their involvement in the ICPA.”
Focus on American Interests and Peace Efforts
The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the ICPA comes amid broader efforts to reduce American involvement in overseas conflicts. Ukraine has been investigating over 150,000 potential war crimes by Russia, including allegations of executions, torture, and strikes deliberately targeting civilians.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard had previously described the situation in stark terms: “Torture takes place in complete isolation from the outside world, with the victims entirely at the mercy of their captors for survival. This is not a series of isolated incidents – it is a systematic policy that violates every tenet of international law.”
But Trump knows that, while there are atrocities taking place, they will only continue unless the war comes to an end. That, unfortunately, isn’t enough to stop people losing their collective minds over the president’s decision.
Just watch: Trump will bring an end to the war and the Democrats will call him an aggressor.