White House recommends cutting funding for war crimes investigations in Ukraine — Reuters

The White House Office of Management and Budget has recommended that the State Department end funding for nearly two dozen programs that investigate war crimes around the world, Reuters reported, citing internal documents and sources familiar with the matter.

The recommendation covers, among other efforts, projects focused on investigating alleged crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. According to Reuters’ sources, the programs at risk include an $18 million State Department grant to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, as well as an initiative that supports the collection of evidence across Ukraine of crimes against humanity, including sexual violence and torture.

As Reuters notes, the recommendation from the White House is not a final decision. The State Department could contest it. However, two officials told the outlet that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is unlikely to support preserving most of the targeted programs. One source said he may back only the most essential initiatives.

Since Trump took office in January 2025, his administration has frozen — and later cut — billions of dollars in foreign aid. Reuters reported in February that the freeze had already led to a sharp reduction in funding for projects assisting Ukraine in investigating war crimes. Dozens of staff members working on those efforts have been affected by the cuts.