Latvia Joins International Effort for Ukrainian Compensation
On December 16, 2025, Latvia officially signed the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine during a diplomatic conference held in The Hague, Netherlands. The signing represents a significant stride towards ensuring accountability and providing compensation for the extensive damages inflicted by the Russian Federation's internationally unlawful actions in Ukraine. Solvita Āboltiņa, Latvia's Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, signed the document on behalf of the Republic of Latvia.
The Role of the International Claims Commission
The newly established International Claims Commission for Ukraine is designed to operate as an independent body within the institutional framework of the Council of Europe. Its primary function will be to review, assess, and make decisions on claims for compensation related to losses, damages, and injuries sustained due to Russia's aggression. This includes determining the specific amounts of compensation due in each case.
The Commission is the second phase of a three-part international compensation mechanism. The first phase, the Register of Damage for Ukraine, was established in May 2023 and began accepting claims in April 2024. The Register's role is to collect and record claims and supporting evidence from individuals, entities, and the Ukrainian state. To date, over 80,000 claims have been registered. The Claims Commission will build upon this work by verifying the legitimacy of these registered claims and determining compensation amounts.
A Comprehensive Compensation Mechanism
The full compensation mechanism is envisioned in three stages:
- Register of Damage: Collects and documents claims for damages.
- Claims Commission: Reviews, assesses, and decides on claims, determining compensation amounts.
- Compensation Fund: The final stage, yet to be established, which will be responsible for the actual payment of approved compensation.
The Convention will officially enter into force once it has been ratified by 25 signatory states and sufficient funds are secured to support its initial operations. The diplomatic conference saw representatives from over 30 countries and the European Union sign the Convention, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also in attendance.
International Support and Latvia's Stance
This initiative follows the UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/5 adopted on November 14, 2022, which affirmed the Russian Federation's legal responsibility for violations of international law in Ukraine and its obligation to provide reparations. The Netherlands has announced it will host the International Claims Commission in The Hague, reinforcing the city's role as a hub for international justice.
Ambassador Āboltiņa reiterated Latvia's unwavering commitment, stating, 'Latvia will continue to support these efforts to ensure that victims receive meaningful compensation and that their suffering is not in vain. Every claim must be heard, every loss must be acknowledged, and the victims of Russian aggression must receive the justice they deserve.' This collective international effort aims to provide a structured pathway for victims to seek reparations, with the World Bank estimating Ukraine's reconstruction needs at over $500 billion.
5 Comments
Raphael
It's a positive move to document claims and establish accountability, but the creation of yet another body raises concerns about efficiency and potential delays in getting compensation to those who need it most.
Leonardo
While the framework for claims is developing well with the Register and Commission, the critical third phase, the Compensation Fund, is still 'yet to be established.' The real impact hinges entirely on how that fund is financed.
Raphael
Finally, a real step towards justice for Ukraine!
Michelangelo
Too slow, too complicated. Victims need help NOW.
Raphael
While it's vital to establish mechanisms for justice, securing actual payment from Russia will be an immense challenge. The international community needs a concrete plan for enforcement.