RD4U International Damage Registry
The RD4U International Damage Registry now accepts claims across 43 distinct categories for losses caused by Russia's invasion since February 24, 2022. This platform allows displaced persons, refugees, unemployed individuals, and those who have lost businesses or property to submit damage reports. While the registry does not provide financial compensation, it serves as an official record of wartime harm. Applications are submitted through Ukraine’s Diia portal, reviewed by the Secretariat, and decisions are made by the Registry Council. Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmakers are actively considering legislation to provide compensation for war-affected citizens.
The registry's phased rollout took 2.5 years and as of September 30, 2023, it includes 43 categories of damages divided as follows:
- 21 categories for individuals,
- 11 for businesses and organizations,
- 11 relating to the state.
By the end of September 2023, nearly 195,000 claims had been submitted, with over 65,000 officially registered.
Damage Categories and Their Specifics
Among the available categories for claims are:
- Category A1.1 covers forced internal displacement without requiring proof of moral harm or medical certificates.
- Category A1.2 applies to Ukrainians who fled abroad, with no requirement to be physically present in Ukraine when filing.
- Category A3.4 records loss of paid employment, including self-employed individuals without formal business registration but who paid taxes.
- Category A3.5 addresses income losses suffered by entrepreneurs due to the aggression.
- Category A3.7, introduced on September 8, 2023, accounts for other economic damages, such as destroyed vehicles.
- Categories A4.1 and A4.2 cover prolonged loss of access to healthcare and education services.
- Category A2.10 documents psychological pain and suffering arising from violations of international law not covered elsewhere.
Reported damages must have occurred within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders after February 24, 2022. Receiving aid from the government, donors, or NGOs does not exclude individuals from filing claims. A claimant may submit multiple applications across different categories, each requiring a separate form. Claims are submitted free of charge in Ukrainian via the Diia portal, with no current deadline for submission.
The Secretariat reviews all applications, and the Registry Council decides on each claim with one of four outcomes:
- Add the claim to the Registry,
- Return it for revision,
- Reject it without barring resubmission,
- Reject it with prohibition on resubmission.
It is important to emphasize that the Registry is not a court, tribunal, or compensation fund, and does not provide monetary payouts. As Irina Polyakova stated:
“The damage registry does not disburse funds. It is not a court, tribunal, or compensation fund. Its role is to accept claims, verify their eligibility, preserve evidence, and record demands.”
The RD4U Registry is often confused with the state’s eVidnovlennya program, which offers financial support for repairs and housing certificates. Currently, the Ukrainian parliament is reviewing bills №11444 and №15421, which propose eliminating pension tax on home purchases using certificates and providing payments to war victims. Claims for damaged housing (category A3.1) must be filed by the legal property owner, while other family members may submit claims for loss of residence and belongings (category A3.3).
Irina Polyakova also highlighted:
“Today, you have documents, photos, and crucially, witnesses. When it comes time to review, these may no longer be available.”
The creation of the RD4U International Damage Registry offers Ukrainians and businesses affected by Russian aggression a valuable tool to document their losses and gain formal acknowledgment. Although it does not provide direct compensation, the registry lays the groundwork for evidence collection and supports future compensation mechanisms. The ongoing legislative efforts in the Verkhovna Rada demonstrate a committed state response aimed at recovery and aid for those harmed by the conflict.
As the RD4U International Damage Registry expands its offerings, it's essential for businesses to stay informed about the latest developments. Recently, the final three claim categories for businesses have been opened, allowing more entities to seek recognition for their losses. Understanding these updates can significantly impact the ability of organizations to navigate the complexities of war-related claims. For more details on the newly available categories specifically for businesses, see the latest news on business claims.