Alongside the termination of support for investigations into Russian war crimes and the suspension of efforts to document the deportation of Ukrainian children, the U.S. administration has also disbanded the interagency task force responsible for coordinating strategic pressure on Moscow. According to Reuters, the initiative was quietly shelved—despite being intended as a key instrument to strengthen Washington’s negotiating position on Ukraine. The decision coincides with several other moves, including the end of cooperation with The Hague, significantly complicating efforts to pursue accountability for crimes against Ukrainian civilians.
Citing sources within the U.S. government, Reuters reports that the task force—formed in early spring 2025—was dismantled only recently. It had initially been tasked with developing strategies to strengthen the U.S. position in negotiations over Ukraine, but by May, its work had reportedly lost momentum—officials say Trump had lost interest in pursuing a hardline approach toward Moscow.
The decision was accompanied by the dismissal of nearly the entire National Security Council staff, including experts focused on Russia. Among the key figures was Andrew Peek, coordinator for Europe and Russia, who was removed in May. According to Reuters’ sources, the internal purge made coordination impossible.
The group’s dissolution had not been previously disclosed. Sources suggest the revelation could heighten concerns among U.S. allies ahead of the NATO summit—especially in light of Trump’s conciliatory rhetoric and his refusal to offer explicit support for Ukraine. At the recent G7 summit in Canada, he went as far as calling Russia’s exclusion from the G8 a mistake.
The task force discussed not only sanctions but also covert operations and ways to pressure post-Soviet states—particularly Kazakhstan, which has become a key transit hub for circumventing Western restrictions. However, no coherent strategy was ever finalized.
While the White House declined to comment, figures close to Trump suggest he may still adopt a tougher stance on Moscow—especially if it aligns with his electoral strategy. Trump himself continues to blame both sides for prolonging the war, though some of his allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham, continue to advocate for sweeping sanctions.
Trump-Pump-Pump
The U.S. Shuts Down Programs Investigating Russia’s Crimes in Ukraine
Military Atrocity Initiative Closed, Data on Child Deportations Frozen, Cooperation with The Hague Halted
