Ukraine and 30 Nations to Approve Compensation Body for War Damages

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to join representatives from approximately 30 countries on March 15, 2024, to formally approve the establishment of a compensation body aimed at addressing damages sustained by Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion. This significant decision will occur during a ceremony in The Hague, following recent peace discussions in Berlin that included notable figures such as Donald Trump‘s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, as well as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to reconsider Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership in exchange for robust security assurances from Western allies. Nonetheless, he firmly rejected proposals suggesting territorial concessions to Russia. “These security guarantees are an opportunity to prevent another wave of Russian aggression,” he stated during a press conference, indicating that the offer represents a significant compromise from Ukraine’s side.

The compensation initiative has been facilitated by the Council of Europe, which is overseeing the formation of the International Claims Commission. This body will enable Ukrainians to seek compensation for “damage, loss or injury” incurred as a result of the Russian Federation’s actions since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. As of now, around 80,000 claims have already been registered, and the commission will evaluate these claims based on the existing damage register that was established during a summit in Iceland in 2023.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of justice in relation to peace, stating, “There will be no reliable peace without justice.” His remarks were delivered via video to leaders gathered at the summit, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to accountability for the destruction caused by the invasion.

Despite the momentum towards approval, questions linger regarding the funding for the claims commission. The Council of Europe maintains that Russia should be responsible for the financial costs, yet a clear mechanism for enforcing this obligation remains elusive. One proposed solution involves utilizing the substantial frozen Russian assets currently held across Europe, which amount to tens of billions of dollars.

For the commission to officially commence, at least 25 countries must sign on, although it is anticipated that more than 30 nations will participate, marking an unprecedented collective commitment to this cause. While the majority of the participating nations will be from Europe, the European Union has confirmed its intention to join, alongside delegations from countries including Mexico, Japan, and Canada.

In addition to the compensation discussions, Zelenskyy is scheduled to address the Dutch Parliament and meet with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. Many of the nations involved in the compensation body are also supporting the establishment of a new international court under the Council of Europe, aimed at prosecuting senior Russian officials for the invasion.

This collaborative effort signifies a critical step towards not only addressing the immediate needs of Ukrainians affected by the conflict but also laying the groundwork for long-term accountability and justice. The unfolding situation continues to draw global attention as nations rally to support Ukraine in its quest for reparations and security guarantees.