“As the level of government closest to the citizens, local and regional authorities in Ukraine are the first point of contact for displaced persons and those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones, playing an indispensable role in guiding and supporting claimants for the damage caused by Russia’s war” stressed Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori and Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register of Damage for Ukraine at the opening of an online meeting with Ukrainian municipalities and associations of local and regional authorities. The event “Turning Justice into Accountability through the Register of Damage for Ukraine”, on 23 April 2026, brought together 500 participants representing 470 local and regional authorities.

The meeting’s objectives were to inform the associations about the functioning of the Register of Damage for Ukraine and discuss how they could support awareness raising and dissemination of information among their members, as well as to exchange views on challenges faced by local authorities in documenting war-related damage, while exploring future co-operation between the Register, the Congress and the associations in facilitating access to relevant information and guidance.

“The Register is more than a technical instrument; it is a tool of justice. By documenting damage to human lives and infrastructure, it guarantees that violations are recognised and that accountability will follow. Together, we will ensure that local voices are heard, communities are supported, and Ukraine’s recovery is firmly rooted in justice, human rights, and democratic resilience,” underlined Secretary General Mori.