Europe Launches International Claims Commission to Secure Reparations for Ukraine War Damages

The Hague witnessed the inauguration of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on Tuesday, aimed at facilitating compensation for the vast destruction resulting from Russia’s invasion and alleged war crimes. The event brought together 34 European leaders, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aligning with a broader diplomatic initiative led by the United States to seek resolution to the conflict that began in February 2022.

President Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, stating, "Every Russian war crime must have consequences for those who committed them. That's exactly where the real path to peace begins. It’s not enough just to force Russia into a deal or stop the killings; Russia must understand that international rules must be respected."

While the commission's creation marks a significant step toward reparations, the practicalities of compensation remain unsettled. Discussions have considered financing payments through frozen Russian assets in the EU, supplemented by contributions from member states. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel clarified, "The goal is to have validated claims that will ultimately be paid by Russia. It will really have to be paid by Russia; this commission offers no guarantee for the damages."

The claims process will incorporate the Register of Damage, established two years ago, which has already logged over 86,000 claims from individuals, organizations, and public entities across various damage categories.

Russia has not issued an official response to the commission’s establishment. The Kremlin continues to deny accusations of war crimes and has condemned proposals to utilize frozen Russian assets as unlawful, threatening retaliatory measures.

The prospect of compensating victims of wartime atrocities—including sexual violence, child deportations, and the destruction of cultural sites—could face further complications if peace negotiations include proposals for amnesty on such crimes, a stance previously suggested during the Trump administration.

The commission, formed under a Council of Europe convention ratified by over 50 states and the EU, will begin operation once at least 25 signatories approve and sufficient funding is secured. It represents the second component of an international compensation framework for Ukraine and will assess claims related to damages incurred following the February 24, 2022 invasion, determining compensation on an individual basis.

Claims may be filed by individuals, businesses, or the Ukrainian government for harm caused by Russian actions violating international law. This mechanism reflects an unprecedented effort to address and remediate the extensive material and human costs of the ongoing conflict.

The World Bank estimates Ukraine’s reconstruction needs to reach $524 billion (€447 billion) over the next decade, nearly triple the country’s projected economic output in 2024. This figure, however, excludes damage from intensified Russian attacks in 2024, which have targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine.

Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe continues its mission to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law throughout the continent, now extending those principles to the pursuit of justice for Ukraine amid war.