In New York, during the UN International Law Week, the event “War Damage Compensation: Claims Commission for Ukraine” took place, organized by the Netherlands and the Register of Damage. Ukraine was represented by Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra.
Iryna Mudra emphasized that Ukraine needs the support and efforts of the international community to restore justice.
The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that the first component of the compensation mechanism – the Register of Damage – has already been established. Work is underway to launch a Compensation Commission that will review claims submitted to the Register and award payments. This mechanism is expected to be operational next year.
“We see that our partners’ enthusiasm for establishing the Commission is as strong as it was for the Register, yet it’s still essential to meet and keep this effort in focus. We have managed to overcome all political obstacles and achieve the much-awaited political will. So, we have the green light for the Commission,” said Iryna Mudra.
Another key topic of discussion was accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
“While this crime is recognized in international law, the International Criminal Court is now lacking a real opportunity to prosecute it. This is why Ukraine is insisting on the creation of a special tribunal. It would serve not just Ukraine but the entire world in the future – as both a deterrent and a functional tool for justice. Hence, we have to work it out in a way that leaves no loophole for evading responsibility,” said the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office.
Iryna Mudra also highlighted that holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring compensation for damages are core components of the seventh point in President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula.