Ukrainians Launch Online Claims for Compensation of War-Damaged Homes

The Hague witnessed the launch of a significant initiative on April 3, as a register designed for Ukrainians to seek compensation for damages to their homes due to Russia's invasion became operational. On its first day, the platform saw over 100 individuals submit their claims online, highlighting the urgent demand for justice among those affected. This development was shared by ministers at a conference focused on justice for Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized the importance of this move, stating it not only demonstrates the high demand but also the deep desire for justice among the people. The Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U), established by the Council of Europe last year, is at the forefront of addressing these concerns. Despite receiving dozens of applications on its opening day, expectations suggest that the number could soar between 300,000 and 600,000 claims, including those related to critical infrastructure damage.

However, it's important to note that RD4U will not directly disburse any claims. Instead, it serves as a foundational step towards creating an international compensation mechanism that is yet to be established. Amidst the ongoing war now in its third year following Russia's invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged delegates via a video message to persist in their efforts against impunity for war crimes. He highlighted this as crucial for strengthening common security against aggression and terror.

In a significant move towards accountability, 44 countries including major powers like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France pledged their commitment to establishing a special tribunal. This tribunal aims at investigating and prosecuting the crime of aggression against Ukraine and could potentially hold Russian leaders accountable. The declaration welcomed progress in this direction and called for increased efforts to secure a legal basis and international support for this process.

Discussions on how to navigate issues such as immunity for Russian leaders have been ongoing. Kuleba suggested that countries with reservations could simply withdraw or leave the matter to the tribunal itself, which can decide on its jurisdiction based on international legal practices.

It's noteworthy that the International Criminal Court (ICC) currently lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, it has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and another high-ranking official for their alleged roles in abducting children from Ukraine. Additionally, warrants have been issued for two senior Russian military officers concerning attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure.

Zelenskyy expressed hope for a swift restoration of peace and accountability for those disrupting it. Meanwhile, Ukraine's prosecutor general Andriy Kostin revealed that 551 war crimes suspects have been identified, with 374 indicted and 104 already prosecuted.

The conference was opened by Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot who underscored the devastating impact of Russian attacks and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine's justice system to prevent its collapse under these atrocities.