The Hague-based Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, also known as RD4U, was established by the Council of Europe last year. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a register had opened to allow Ukrainians to seek compensation for damage to their homes. On the first day, more than 100 people filed online claims, indicating the high demand and thirst for justice among the affected population. The Council of Europe expects between 300,000 and 600,000 claims to be filed, highlighting the scale of the destruction caused by the conflict. RD4U aims to facilitate further claims related to damage or destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
While the register will not pay out any claims, it serves as a stepping stone toward establishing an international compensation mechanism. The conference on justice for Ukraine, which coincided with the opening of the register, focused on addressing impunity for war crimes and providing security against future aggressions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used a video message to urge delegates to continue their efforts in this regard. A closing declaration by 44 countries pledged to work towards establishing a special tribunal for the investigation and prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine, where Russian leaders could potentially face prosecution. Talks have been ongoing to determine the form of the tribunal and ensure that immunity cannot be claimed by those responsible.
The International Criminal Court does not currently have jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in the Russia-Ukraine war. However, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials for their alleged roles in war crimes, including abductions of children from Ukraine and attacks on critical infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have identified 551 war crimes suspects, indicted 374, and prosecuted 104 individuals. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized that there are ways to address the issue of immunity, suggesting that interested states could withdraw their reservations or leave the jurisdiction decision to the tribunal itself.
The devastating toll of Russian attacks in Ukraine underscores the urgent need for international support to bolster the country’s justice system. Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot highlighted the importance of standing with Ukraine to prevent the collapse of its justice system under the weight of atrocities. President Zelenskyy called for the restoration of peace and for those responsible for disrupting peace to be held accountable in The Hague. As efforts continue to establish a special tribunal for prosecuting the crime of aggression in Ukraine, countries and international organizations are encouraged to strengthen their efforts and support the completion of this process. The ongoing conference on justice for Ukraine aims to address impunity for war crimes and ensure a more secure future for the region.
