Trump’s sanctions on ICC threaten justice in Ukraine, warns EU
The European Union has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order sanctioning officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The EU warns that these sanctions could obstruct ongoing investigations into war crimes in Ukraine and hinder the pursuit of global justice.
ICC’s role in Ukraine’s war crimes investigation
Since March 2022, the ICC has been investigating alleged war crimes committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The court has issued arrest warrants against six senior Kremlin officials, including President Vladimir Putin. Putin is accused of orchestrating the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, a violation of international law.
By imposing sanctions on ICC officials, the U.S. government could restrict their ability to travel and access funding, making it more challenging for them to conduct investigations. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for the ICC’s independence and mission. “The ICC ensures accountability for international crimes and gives victims a voice. It must continue its fight against impunity,” she said.
European leaders condemn Trump’s decision
A spokesperson for the European Commission expressed deep regret over Trump’s order, calling it a serious threat to the ICC’s ongoing cases, including those related to Ukraine. “This decision endangers years of effort to hold perpetrators accountable and threatens international justice,” the spokesperson stated.
European Council President António Costa echoed these concerns, warning that the sanctions undermine the ICC’s authority and the global justice system. During a recent meeting in Brussels with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, Costa praised the court’s role in delivering justice to victims of atrocities worldwide.
The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC in The Hague, also criticized Trump’s move. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed concern over the potential long-term consequences of U.S. sanctions on the international legal system.
Trump’s justification and the Israel connection
Trump’s executive order claims the ICC is conducting “illegitimate and unfounded actions” against the U.S. and its allies, specifically Israel. The order references the ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza.
In 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri. Netanyahu and Gallant are accused of war crimes, including using starvation as a weapon and committing crimes against humanity during Israel’s offensive against Hamas.
Trump’s administration argues that the ICC’s jurisdiction does not extend to non-signatory states like the U.S. and Israel. Both countries have refused to recognize the court’s authority under the Rome Statute.
The global response to Trump’s sanctions
The ICC has urged its 125 member states to reject Trump’s sanctions and stand united in defense of justice and human rights. “The Court remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering justice to victims of atrocities worldwide,” the ICC said in a statement.
While some European nations, including Germany and France, have refrained from commenting on Netanyahu’s arrest warrant, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán openly stated he would not enforce it. Meanwhile, compliance with ICC rulings remains inconsistent among its members. In 2023, Mongolia refused to execute Putin’s arrest warrant when he visited the country.
Trump’s sanctions come shortly after Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, during which Trump announced a controversial proposal to seize Gaza and displace its residents. The plan, dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East,” faced immediate international backlash.
With global tensions rising, the EU remains committed to supporting the ICC’s mission, emphasizing that obstructing its work threatens accountability and undermines the principles of international law.
