Leaders from across Europe, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, gathered in The Hague on Tuesday to officially launch the International Claims Commission — a new body designed to process and validate compensation claims for the massive destruction caused by Russia’s invasion.
The initiative is backed by dozens of high-level officials from the European Union and beyond. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas joined representatives at the one-day conference, co-hosted by the Netherlands and the 46-member Council of Europe, the continent’s oldest human rights institution.
A Push for Accountability and Reparations
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel emphasized that justice must include financial responsibility:
“Without accountability, a conflict cannot be fully resolved. Paying for the damage done is part of that accountability.”
While the commission is now established, governments are still debating how claims will eventually be paid. Early discussions include using frozen Russian assets in the EU, combined with contributions from member states.
Van Weel stressed the ultimate intention:
“These claims must eventually be paid by Russia. The commission itself cannot guarantee compensation.”
Register of Damage Already Receiving Claims
The Commission will integrate the Register of Damage, created in 2023, which has already logged over 80,000 claims from Ukrainian individuals, companies, and public institutions. These cover a wide range of losses — from destroyed homes and infrastructure to human rights violations.
President Zelenskyy said the initiative is essential:
“For real peace, Russia must understand there are rules in this world — and it must be held accountable for breaking them.”
The Kremlin, which denies committing war crimes, has not yet commented. It previously condemned EU plans to use Russian frozen assets, calling them illegal and threatening retaliation.
Potential Complications in a Future Peace Deal
A possible challenge is the idea of amnesty for wartime crimes, which was discussed in earlier peace proposals from the Trump administration. Such clauses could complicate compensation for victims of sexual violence, forced deportations, and destruction of cultural sites.
More than 50 states and the EU helped draft the new convention establishing the commission. It will take effect once 25 countries ratify it and sufficient funding is secured. Over 35 nations have already signaled support and were expected to sign the agreement.
How the Commission Will Work
The Claims Commission represents the second stage of a larger international compensation mechanism. Its tasks include:
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Reviewing claims submitted to the Register of Damage
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Assessing the extent of loss or injury
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Awarding compensation on a case-by-case basis
Claims may be filed for damage caused on or after February 24, 2022, the date Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Individuals, businesses, and the Ukrainian state may all submit claims.
Reconstruction Costs Continue to Rise
The World Bank estimates Ukraine’s reconstruction needs at $524 billion over the next decade — nearly three times the country’s economic output in 2024. This figure only covers damage up to December 2024 and does not include destruction from intensified strikes in 2025.
Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe once again finds itself at the center of Europe’s efforts to uphold rule of law, human rights, and post-war accountability.