Broader Scope for Documenting Wartime Losses
The Ukrainian government has widened the list of categories used to record damage and losses caused by Russian aggression since February 24, 2022. An additional 14 categories will be added to the existing 21. Claims are submitted through the Diia portal to the International Register of Damages, which was established by Ukraine, the European Union, and 43 other nations, with its headquarters located in The Hague.
Newly Added Loss Categories
The expanded categories include:
- lost access to healthcare;
- lost access to education;
- other violations of international humanitarian law;
- human rights abuses;
- violations of the laws and customs of war;
- additional economic losses.
Business owners can now document damage to cultural sites, costs related to evacuating assets, and other economic and humanitarian losses. The state will also record the destruction of cultural heritage, environmental harm, theft of natural resources, humanitarian spending on supporting affected populations, and expenses for demining and land clearance.
Yuliia Svyrydenko stated: 'Russia must answer for all the harm it has inflicted on Ukraine—on its people, businesses, and the state itself. The International Register of Damages, created by Ukraine, the EU, and 43 other countries, with its headquarters in The Hague, is one of the key international mechanisms for future compensation.'
In December 2025, the process of establishing a compensation commission was initiated. To date, 38 countries and the European Union have signed the convention. Work is currently underway to enable the commission to begin its operations. The new categories now include forced displacement of Ukrainians abroad, a pressing issue in the context of the war. This demonstrates Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to document damages and prepare for compensation payouts.
Expanding the categories for recording losses represents a crucial step in securing the rights of those affected by the war, as it ensures that a wider range of harm—previously overlooked—can now be taken into account. It also underscores the commitment of Ukraine and its international partners to achieving justice and reparations, which is a vital component of the country’s future recovery.
As Ukraine enhances its framework for documenting wartime losses, the international community is also taking significant steps towards accountability. For instance, Ireland's recent ratification of the convention for establishing a commission to address damages caused by Russia underscores the global commitment to seeking justice and compensation for affected nations. This alignment of efforts highlights the increasing urgency of addressing the repercussions of the ongoing conflict.