Ukraine's Path to Justice: A Global Effort to Address War Damages

In a significant move, European leaders, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, gathered in The Hague to establish an International Claims Commission. This commission aims to address the extensive damages inflicted by Russian attacks and alleged war crimes. The event, co-hosted by the Netherlands and the Council of Europe, saw participation from numerous high-ranking officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The timing of this initiative is crucial, as it aligns with ongoing U. S. -backed peace efforts to end the conflict that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, the path to compensation is complex. Russian officials have consistently denied allegations of war crimes, which could pose challenges to the commission's work. One major hurdle is the potential inclusion of an amnesty for wartime atrocities in any future peace deal. This idea, previously floated by the Trump administration, could complicate Europe's plans to compensate victims of various abuses in Ukraine, including sexual violence, child deportations, and the destruction of religious sites.The commission will operate based on the two-year-old Register of Damage, which has already received over 80, 000 claims from individuals, organizations, and public bodies in Ukraine. More than 50 states and the EU have drafted a convention to create this commission, which will require ratification by 25 signatories and sufficient funding to operate. The commission's role is to review, assess, and decide on claims submitted to the Register of Damage. These claims can be filed for damage, loss, or injury caused by Russian acts committed in or against Ukraine since the invasion on February 24, 2022. The claims cover violations of international law and can be brought by affected individuals, companies, or the Ukrainian state. The World Bank has estimated the cost of reconstruction in the coming decade at $524 billion, nearly three times Ukraine's economic output in 2024. However, this figure does not include the damage caused this year, as Russian attacks have escalated, targeting utilities, transport, and civilian infrastructure. Details on how any damages awarded by the commission would be paid are still being discussed. One option under consideration is using Russian assets frozen by the EU. The Council of Europe, founded in 1949 to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, is at the forefront of this effort.