Europe set to launch international commission for Ukraine war damages

Leaders including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at The Hague on Tuesday to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.

The one-day conference, co-hosted by the Netherlands and the 46-nation Council of Europe, gathered senior officials, including European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

The gathering also coincided with ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel stressed the importance of reparations, stating, “Without accountability, a conflict cannot be fully resolved.

And part of that accountability is also paying damages that have been done.” He called the establishment of the claims commission a significant step forward.

The commission, based in the Netherlands, will oversee claims submitted by individuals, organisations, and public bodies in Ukraine.

It will assess and determine appropriate compensation for the damages caused by Russia’s military actions. While discussions are ongoing, it is anticipated that Russian assets frozen by the EU will help fund the reparations.

The commission is built upon the existing Register of Damage, which has already received over 80,000 claims, covering various damages such as destruction of property, human rights violations, and losses sustained by businesses. The commission will decide compensation on a case-by-case basis.

President Zelenskyy emphasised the need for Russia to face consequences for its actions. "It’s not enough to force Russia into a deal. It’s not enough to make it stop killing. We must make Russia accept that there are rules in the world," he said.

Despite Russia’s consistent denials of war crimes and threats of retaliation, the commission represents a significant step toward ensuring accountability.

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However, the inclusion of wartime amnesty in any potential peace deal, previously suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, could complicate the reparations process.

More than 35 nations have already expressed support for the commission, with many expected to sign the convention at the meeting. Once ratified by 25 signatories and with sufficient funding secured, the commission will begin operations.

The World Bank has estimated that Ukraine will need $524 billion (447 billion euros) for post-war reconstruction over the next decade. This figure does not include damage caused by intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure this year.

Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe remains a key organisation in promoting human rights and the rule of law across the continent. Its new initiative to help Ukraine pursue reparations highlights the international community’s ongoing commitment to addressing the consequences of Russia’s invasion.

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Politics Ukraine The Hague Kaja Kallas Volodymyr Zelenskyy