--- title: "Financial blow to justice: how the Trump administration halted the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine" description: "The Trump administration froze funding for war crime investigations in Ukraine, putting justice at risk. The US cut support by 40%, but the EU and UK are trying to bridge the gap. The UN recorded a 100% rise in sexual violence in 2025 and added Russia to its blacklist. πŸš¨πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦" date: 2026-06-01T00:56:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/financial-blow-to-justice-how-the-trump-administration-halted-the-investigation-of-war-crimes-in-ukraine tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Financial blow to justice: how the Trump administration halted the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine ![Donald Trump in formal suit with American flag lapel pin, seated at a table β€” symbolizing decisions related to halting the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/01/tramp-sokratil-finansirovanie-rassledovaniya-voennyh-prestupleniy-v-ukraine/tramp-sokratil-finansirovanie-rassledovaniya-voennyh-prestupleniy-v-ukraine-1.webp) A diplomatic scandal has erupted globally, linked to a sharp shift in US foreign policy priorities. The Donald Trump administration, which assumed office in January 2025, decided to drastically cut funding for programs investigating war crimes in Ukraine. This decision jeopardizes the ability to hold thousands of perpetrators accountable and deprives victims of hope for justice. ### Scale of cancellation: $283 million at risk According to data tracked by Reuters, since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the US has directed more than $283 million towards investigating war crimes in Ukraine. These funds were intended for evidence collection, working with victims, and strengthening the legal basis for future trials. However, after taking office, Donald Trump initiated a freeze on foreign aid, leading to catastrophic consequences for the justice system. At least 40% of all funded programs were either completely terminated or exhausted their resources. Ukrainian officials confirm that the cuts affected approximately half of the American projects aimed at accountability for war crimes and strengthening the rule of law. ### Partners' reaction: EU and UK take the lead on independence As Washington turns away from the issue, European allies are attempting to take responsibility for justice. The European Union and the United Kingdom have declared their unwavering commitment to the cause of justice for Ukraine, despite the shift in US policy. The European Union allocated €10 million to create a special tribunal to try Russian officials involved in crimes. An additional €50 million was directed towards protecting abducted children. The UK also contributed by allocating Β£5 million to support victims of war crimes. ### Rise in violence and UN blacklist Against the backdrop of reduced financial support from the US, the human rights situation in the conflict zone continues to deteriorate. On May 30, the United Nations added Russia to the blacklist of countries suspected of sexual violence in conflict zones. 2025 statistics demonstrate an alarming trend: the number of recorded cases of sexual violence has increased by more than 100% compared to 2024 figures. This sharp spike underscores the critical importance of international investigation mechanisms, which are now at risk due to the change in course by the American administration.