Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, recently held discussions with Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, regarding the issue of compensation for damages caused by Russia in Ukraine.
Shmyhal emphasized the importance of establishing an international compensation mechanism to hold Russia accountable for the destruction caused during the ongoing conflict. The creation of a Register of Damages, initiated during the Council of Europe summit last year, is a significant step in this process. Shmyhal stated that by next year, all 45 categories of claims for compensation will be accessible within this register.
In addition to the compensation mechanism, Shmyhal also highlighted the need to establish a Compensation Commission, a Compensation Fund, and a Special Tribunal dedicated to prosecuting war crimes against Ukraine. The collaboration between Ukraine and the Council of Europe aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the war.
Shmyhal expressed gratitude towards the Council of Europe for its initiatives in facilitating the return of abducted Ukrainian children to their families. The Council of Europe Development Bank has also responded swiftly to the challenges arising from the war by initiating a financial support program for housing reconstruction in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister's remarks reflect a broader strategy to seek justice, facilitate reconstruction, and prioritize the rights and needs of affected individuals in the recovery process. The recent visit of Berset and his colleagues to Yahidne village highlights the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for accountability and justice.
The discussions between Shmyhal and Berset underscore the immediate need for compensation and accountability, as well as a commitment to addressing the long-term consequences of the conflict. International support, such as that from the Council of Europe, will play a crucial role in shaping a resilient future for Ukraine.