The US is increasing pressure on the International Criminal Court: what is known about the new sanctions

The United States continues to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court. On August 18, Washington imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane. This was a continuation of the campaign of the US President Donald Trump administration against the Court and its officials.

The new restrictions became another stage in the confrontation between Washington and the ICC, which has significantly escalated due to the Court’s investigation into Israel and previous actions against the American military.

The United States imposed sanctions on the head of the ICC

The United States announced sanctions against the head of the International Criminal Court, Tomoko Akane.

These are not the first US restrictions against ICC representatives. In 2025, the United States applied targeted sanctions to a number of prosecutors and judges of the Court.

One of the key reasons was the ICC’s decisions on Israel. The court issued arrest warrants for the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Washington has also long criticized the ICC for its preliminary investigation into possible actions of American soldiers in Afghanistan.

ICC judges went to court against the Trump administration

The confrontation went beyond political statements and sanctions.

In June, three judges of the International Criminal Court filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump and his administration.

They claim that the restrictive measures imposed against them are illegal.

Rubio announced further pressure on the ICC

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that the Trump administration intends to intensify its campaign against the International Criminal Court.

This is not only about personal sanctions. According to Rubio, Washington plans to persuade other states to reconsider their participation in the ICC and even withdraw from the organization.

The American administration explains its position by the need to protect US citizens from possible persecution by the Court.

Rubio, in particular, stated the potential risks for American military personnel who carry out orders of the presidential administration.

Trump linked the campaign with protecting Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump has also openly linked pressure on the ICC with the need to protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others from criminal prosecution.

Washington does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over US citizens and opposes a number of its investigations.

Thus, the sanctions against Tomoko Akane have become part of a much broader conflict between the Trump administration and the ICC.

Why the situation is important for Ukraine

The confrontation between the US and the ICC is also important for Ukraine, since it is the International Criminal Court that is investigating alleged international crimes committed during the Russian aggression.

The ICC, in particular, has previously issued arrest warrants for senior Russian officials as part of its investigation into the situation in Ukraine.

Therefore, further weakening of the Court, sanctions against its leadership, or reduction of international support for the institution could have much broader consequences for the international justice system and the prosecution of individuals suspected of war crimes.