Trump’s Funding Freeze Hampers Efforts to Prosecute Russia for Ukraine War Crimes

The Hague/Kyiv, February 10, 2025 – The Trump administration’s freeze on foreign funding has begun to severely impact international efforts to hold Russia accountable for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, according to multiple sources and a Ukrainian document obtained by Reuters. The freeze has resulted in the halting of dozens of jobs and the suspension of tens of millions of dollars in aid, threatening the progress of crucial investigations and justice initiatives.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has opened over 140,000 war crime cases, addressing the widespread atrocities committed during the conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of people and caused untold damage to the country’s infrastructure. The invasion has also left a legacy of mental and physical scars on those affected by Russia’s military occupation.

Ukraine and its allies have worked tirelessly to document these alleged war crimes, aiming to ensure accountability for the atrocities committed. However, the financial support needed for these efforts is now in jeopardy due to the Trump administration’s decision to freeze foreign funding. The consequences of this freeze have raised concerns among international organizations and legal experts, as key programs focused on investigation, documentation, and prosecution could be undermined.

Despite the mounting evidence, Russia continues to deny any war crimes committed by its forces, a stance that has been a consistent point of tension in the ongoing conflict. As the international community looks to strengthen the pursuit of justice, the freeze on funding represents a significant setback in efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.