US withdraws from group investigating Russia for crime of aggression in Ukraine News
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US withdraws from group investigating Russia for crime of aggression in Ukraine

The New York Times reported Monday that the United States is withdrawing from the International Centre for The Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA).

“The US authorities have informed me that they will conclude their involvement in the ICPA by the end of March,” Michael Schmid, president of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (EUROJUST) told the New York Times.

The organization was created by EUROJUST to assist Ukraine in prosecuting parties responsible for orchestrating the crime of “aggression” against Ukraine. In particular, they sought to facilitate information sharing across international criminal law organizations to allow for a common strategy for investigation and prosecution. The group is also tasked with documenting the crimes and preserving crucial evidence.

The Biden administration previously collaborated with the organization by providing monetary support and appointing American prosecutors to help with the objectives of the ICPA.

The recent funding cuts come after the Trump administration shifted course in American foreign policy on Ukraine, with President Trump insisting on brokering a bilateral peace deal, regardless of the wishes of the Ukrainian government.

Simultaneously, the Trump administration and Ukraine have recently had relationships sour, with the US refusing to co-sponsor a resolution reaffirming a commitment to “the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” The US tabled a resolution titled “the path to peace,” insisting on describing the invasion as a “conflict” instead.

The UN General Assembly has condemned “Russian aggression” in the invasion of Ukraine multiple times, citing violations of the UN Charter, war crimes and various other breaches of international obligations for countries at war. Direct force against another state is prohibited under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, stating “all members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purpose of the United Nations.” Resolution 3314 of the UN general assembly also specifically defines aggression as the “use of armed force by a state against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another state.”

Relatedly, Amnesty International urged the US to ensure a genuine negotiation and peace deal, prioritizing justice for victims of international crimes.

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