The U.S. may withdraw from the tribunal aimed at punishing Russia for war crimes, according to The Telegraph.

This is reported by Telegraph.

Earlier, the United States declined to label Russia as an "aggressor" during a meeting of the "core group" of countries preparing a tribunal for Russian war criminals, similar to what occurred in Nuremberg after World War II.

Additionally, the administration of former President Donald Trump also refused to sign a planned statement from the G7 countries on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in which Russia is described as the "aggressor."

Telegraph also points out that the U.S. may withdraw from the special tribunal for Russia, which involves the participation of 40 countries.

The publication notes that a loss of support for the tribunal from Washington would be a significant blow to the project's international reputation and authority.

Special Tribunal for Punishing Russia

Back in September 2022, the Office of the President reported that Ukraine is urging the "G7" countries and other partner states to support the initiative for establishing a special international tribunal to hold Russia accountable for its acts of aggression against Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine explained that international criminal justice has sufficient tools to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. However, existing institutions face "objective legal obstacles" in investigating the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This is why the creation of a special tribunal is necessary, which will be able to hold the leadership of the Russian Federation accountable specifically for this crime.

On January 16, 2024, a proposal for establishing a special tribunal for Russia was submitted to the European Parliament. Since then, several countries and EU officials have expressed their support. The Netherlands announced that they are willing to host the tribunal for Russia.

In August 2023, Deputy Head of the President's Office Andriy Smirnov stated that Ukraine would not agree to any hybrid format of the tribunal, where its establishment is considered part of the Ukrainian judicial system, adding that discussions about the tribunal are still ongoing.