Photo: Reuters
The Commission is an instrument of international law through which Ukraine and its citizens will be able to seek compensation, in accordance with the principles of international law, for damages caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression since February 24, 2022. This includes loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and damage to property. Claims for compensation may be filed by affected individuals and legal entities, as well as by the Ukrainian state, including regional and local authorities.
The establishment of the Commission is based on a United Nations General Assembly resolution on reparations for damage caused to Ukraine and represents the next step following the creation of the Register of Damage, which was established by the Council of Europe in 2023.
The purpose of the Convention is to ensure the international legal responsibility of the Russian Federation for violations of international law committed against Ukraine and to establish an obligation to provide full reparation for the damage caused. Ratification of the Convention does not grant the Republic of Moldova the status of a party to an international dispute against the Russian Federation, nor does it establish an obligation for the state to pay compensation to the affected parties.
To date, approximately 40 member states of the Council of Europe, as well as Canada and the European Union, have signed the Convention. The document will enter into force, and the Commission will begin its work, once it has been ratified by at least 25 states or regional organizations.
