The Register of Damage for Ukraine, which was set up in 2023 within the institutional framework of the Council of Europe, has opened the last set of categories of claims for compensation resulting from Russia’s war of aggression. This brings the overall number of categories to 43.

The latest categories to be opened include damage to the country’s environment and natural resources, and miscellaneous claims registered by the state of Ukraine for damage to property. Categories concerning the loss of access to healthcare and education by individuals were opened for submission last week.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said: “The Register of Damage for Ukraine represents the legal memory of this unjust war. It is the first step towards a comprehensive system of compensation for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for the gross injustices they have suffered. Step-by-step – and working closely with the Ukrainian authorities and partners across Europe and beyond – we are determined to build justice and accountability where before there was none.”

195,000 claims received, more than 65,000 processed so far

The Register of Damage for Ukraine which opened for the submission of claims in April 2024, constitutes a record of eligible claims for compensation.

Individuals, legal entities and the state of Ukraine can submit claims for damages for damage, loss or injury arising from Russia’s aggression in all categories using the Ukrainian government’s Diia web portal and app.

The register, which is based in The Hague, has so far received 195,000 claims. Some 65,000 of those claims have been recorded in the register, and review of the rest of the claims is ongoing.

Next steps towards a comprehensive compensation mechanism

Work to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, the second component of a comprehensive compensation mechanism, is well underway.

A convention establishing the claims commission has already been signed by 39 states and the European Union. Nine states plus the EU have also ratified the convention.

Once established, the International Claims Commission will build on the work of the Register of Damage for Ukraine. It will review, assess and decide upon claims recorded in the register and determine the amount of compensation due in each case.

The International Claims Commission will also consider claims received after the register becomes integrated into the claims commission, as foreseen under the convention.

 Learn more about the Council of Europe’s support for Ukraine