US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have emphasized the importance of releasing Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during the ongoing war. However, their administration’s decision to cut funding to a key organization tracking Russian war crimes has raised concerns.
The Ukraine Conflict Observatory, established with State Department backing in 2022, aimed to collect and analyze evidence of Russia-perpetrated war crimes in Ukraine. The group produced reports on alleged forced relocations, re-education, and adoption of Ukrainian children. An International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin has been issued due to these allegations.
In March, CNN reported that the administration terminated funding support for the observatory. Although temporary funding was restored later that month, lawmakers in June urged the State Department to disburse $8 million to support the group’s work. However, two congressional aides confirmed that this funding has not been disbursed yet. The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab has secured private donations to continue its work until January 1, but its future remains uncertain.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/trump-ukraine-russia-zelensky-putin-08-19-25