A coalition of over 30 nations has given the green light to a structure designed to handle compensation claims stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.
Reparation Claims and International Involvement
More than 30 countries, including Ukraine and members of the European Union, formally approved the establishment of a compensation body to address damages caused during the Russia-Ukraine war. The . Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, the Register of Damage for Ukraine has received nearly 85,000 claims from individuals, organizations, and public entities seeking reparations for damages inflicted by Russia.
These damages include child deportations, the destruction of religious sites, and sexual violence. The World Bank estimates that Kyiv’s reconstruction costs over the next decade will reach at least $524 billion, nearly three times the country’s economic output in 2024.
The newly approved International Claims Commission, overseen by the Council of Europe, will play a crucial role in assessing these claims. The method of payment for these reparations is still under negotiation.
The European Union has announced an indefinite freeze on approximately $247 billion in Russian assets, with the intention of using some of these funds to support Ukraine's war efforts. Moscow has condemned this proposal as illegal and threatened retaliation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for consequences for Russian war crimes, stating that merely forcing Russia into a deal or stopping the killings is insufficient; Russia must acknowledge the existence of global rules.
Stumbling Blocks in Peace Talks
Recent discussions involving the United States, Ukraine, and its European allies have focused on overcoming major obstacles: Ukraine's NATO aspirations and Russia's territorial demands. Zelensky indicated that Kyiv would consider abandoning its NATO membership bid in exchange for legally binding commitments, including robust security guarantees from the United States and European allies, similar to NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause.
European leaders have agreed that these security guarantees should include a Europe-led multinational peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Zelensky declined to disclose the specific countries participating in the force until a cease-fire is implemented. Russia has consistently opposed any agreement that involves NATO member countries' troops on Ukrainian soil.
Despite these efforts, neither Russia nor Ukraine has conceded on territorial matters. Moscow insists that Kyiv relinquish control of the largely Russian-occupied Donbas region, while Zelensky maintains that territorial concessions are unacceptable. A draft peace plan discussed with U.S. negotiators could be finalized soon, after which U.S. negotiators would present the proposal to Russia, which has not been involved in the recent talks.
Other Global Matters
At the request of the United States, M23 rebels agreed to withdraw from Uvira, a strategic town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that they seized last week. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, described the move as a "unilateral trust-building measure" to support the Doha peace process.
According to reports, both M23 and Congolese forces would withdraw to a distance of 3 miles from Uvira to establish a buffer zone. However, a Congolese army spokesperson stated that the military remains committed to regaining control of the town.
FAQs
How will Ukraine be compensated for damages caused by Russia?
A new International Claims Commission will assess claims for damages. The method of payment is still under negotiation, but the EU has frozen approximately $247 billion in Russian assets, potentially to be used for reparations.
What are the major obstacles in current peace talks between Ukraine and Russia?
The main sticking points are Ukraine's NATO aspirations and Russia's territorial demands, specifically control of the Donbas region. Ukraine may consider abandoning its NATO bid in exchange for strong security guarantees.
What kind of damages are being claimed in the Russia-Ukraine war?
Claims include damages from child deportations, the destruction of religious sites, and sexual violence. The World Bank estimates Ukraine's reconstruction costs will reach at least $524 billion over the next decade.
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