Pentagon digs in on handing over war crimes intelligence

THE Pentagon has reportedly blocked efforts to share US intelligence on possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine with the International Criminal Court, fearing cooperation could one day lead to US soldiers being prosecuted.

The White House wants to support the ICC in the Hague, but The New York

Times reported that US military leaders are concerned that helping the court could set a precedent.

Karim Khan KC, a British lawyer and the ICC’S chief prosecutor, is leading its investigation into alleged crimes that include attacks on infrastructure and the abduction of thousands of children.

Joe Biden, the US president, has yet to resolve a dispute between the Pentagon and the rest of his administration, including spy agencies, which all favour sharing US intelligence, The Times reported.

The ICC was set up in 2002 but the US declined to join it.

A National Security Council spokesman said: “Russian forces have been committing war crimes and crimes against humanity and the Ukrainian people deserve justice.”