Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Europe Launches Ukraine War Damages Commission
European leaders are meeting in The Hague to start a special commission that will help Ukraine get money back for all the damage caused by Russia's war.
This includes damage to buildings, people, and businesses.
The commission will look at over 86,000 claims from individuals, organizations, and the Ukrainian government.
The World Bank says it will cost about $524 billion to rebuild Ukraine, but this number might go up because of more recent attacks.
The money to pay for these damages might come from Russian assets that have been frozen by the EU.
Russia has not commented on this plan and has denied allegations of war crimes.
The commission aims to ensure that Russia is held accountable for its actions and that Ukraine receives the necessary compensation for the damages suffered.
European leaders, including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, launched an International Claims Commission in The Hague to compensate Ukraine for war damages and alleged war crimes.
The commission will review over 86,000 claims submitted by individuals, organizations, and public bodies in Ukraine.
The World Bank estimates the cost of reconstruction at $524 billion, but this does not include damage caused in 2024.
Funding for the damages could come from Russian assets frozen by the EU, supplemented by member contributions.
Russia has not commented on the plan and has repeatedly rejected allegations of war crimes, considering the EU's proposal to use frozen assets as illegal.
- Who
- European leaders, including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives from over 50 states and the European Union
- What
- Launch of an International Claims Commission to compensate Ukraine for war damages and alleged war crimes
- When
- December 16, 2023
- Where
- The Hague, Netherlands
- Why
- To address the hundreds of billions of dollars in damage caused by Russian attacks and alleged war crimes in Ukraine
Ukraine and European Leaders
Russia
War Crimes and Compensation
Ukraine and European Leaders
Ukraine and European leaders believe that Russia must be held accountable for war crimes and compensate Ukraine for the damages caused by the invasion.
Russia
Russia denies allegations of war crimes and considers the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense and budget needs as illegal, threatening retaliation.
Path to Peace
Ukraine and European Leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes that making Russia accept global rules is crucial for peace, not just forcing a deal to stop the killing.
Russia
Russia's stance on the path to peace is not explicitly stated in the articles, but their denial of war crimes and threats of retaliation suggest a confrontational approach.
- Location
- The Hague, Netherlands
- Hosts
- Netherlands and Council of Europe
- Participants
- European leaders, including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Claims Received
- Over 86,000
- Estimated Reconstruction Cost
- $524 billion (447 billion euros)
- Signatories
- Up to 35 nations expected to sign the convention
- Commission Base
- The Hague