U.S. Withdraws from International Investigation Group on Ukraine Conflict, Prompting Concerns in Europe

The U.S. administration has formally informed its European allies of its decision to withdraw from the international group investigating the conflict in Ukraine, particularly focusing on Russia’s actions, according to a reports.

The group in question, the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA), was established in 2022 by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to assist the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine in probing alleged war crimes, human rights violations, and breaches of international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict. The U.S. withdrawal comes as a surprising development, raising alarms among European partners who viewed American participation as a crucial component of international efforts to ensure accountability for crimes committed in the region.

Sources close to the situation indicate that the U.S. exit from the ACA is linked to a shift in foreign policy priorities under President Donald Trump, who took office in January 2025. The administration appears to be aiming to reduce its involvement in international initiatives perceived as confrontational toward Russia, particularly as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict gain momentum. This approach aligns with a broader strategy of pursuing a peace agreement, which may involve concessions on matters related to investigations and sanctions.

European diplomats have expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision, warning that it could undermine international efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable. Some have even described the move as “treason,” given Washington’s failure to consult its allies beforehand, which has exacerbated tensions in transatlantic relations. Despite the setback, EU officials have stated their commitment to continuing the group’s work, though they acknowledge that the absence of American funding and expertise will present considerable challenges moving forward.