On June 1, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced an expansion of the categories available for citizens and businesses to officially document damages resulting from Russian aggression since February 24, 2022. This decision aims to facilitate the compensation process for various losses incurred during the ongoing conflict.
The government will add 14 new categories to the existing list, which currently includes 21 types of damages. Citizens will soon be able to submit claims through the “Diia” app, which is designed to streamline the reporting process.
Among the newly recognized categories, individuals can claim compensation for:
- Loss of access to medical care
- Loss of access to education
- Violations of international humanitarian law, human rights, and laws of war, along with additional economic losses
Business owners will also be able to document losses related to cultural heritage, expenses for asset evacuation, and other economic and humanitarian damages.
The Ukrainian government will track the destruction of cultural heritage sites, environmental damage, theft of natural resources, humanitarian costs for supporting affected populations, and expenses related to demining and territory clearance.
As of now, 38 countries and the European Union have signed the Convention to establish an International Commission for Claims Review. This commission will assess claims submitted to the Damage Register, determine compensation amounts, and make decisions on each case.
According to the Council of Europe, 44 states and the EU have joined the Damage Register, which has already received over 150,000 compensation claims. This initiative represents a significant step in addressing the consequences of the conflict and aims to provide a structured mechanism for compensation.
Ukraine's government has expanded the categories for documenting damages caused by Russian aggression, allowing citizens and businesses to claim compensation for a broader range of losses. This initiative, supported by international cooperation, aims to facilitate the recovery process amidst ongoing conflict.