News item | 16-12-2025 | 16:54
On December 16, during the ministerial diplomatic conference in The Hague, the Netherlands announced that it would become the host country for the Claims Commission for war damage in Ukraine. The announcement follows the adoption of an international resolution in which the Netherlands was invited to host the Claims Committee.
This is a new step in the important international compensation mechanism to compensate victims of Russian aggression in Ukraine. This is a long and complex process, consisting of three steps: a Damage Register, a Claims Committee and a Compensation Fund.
The Damage Register has been collecting damage claims from Ukraine since 2024, from The Hague. There are now more than 80,000. The signing of the Constitutive Treaty of the Claims Commission marks a historic step towards recovery and compensation for the damage caused by Russia. Thanks to the Claims Commission, the already registered damage suffered by Ukrainian citizens, companies and institutions can be assessed. Ultimately, we are working towards an actual compensation fund – step three in the process. This process not only contributes to possible financial compensation, but also offers recognition to victims.
The Hague has been home to a wide range of international courts, tribunals and organizations for decades, and the Damage Register is also housed in The Hague. The choice to also establish the Claims Commission in the Netherlands is therefore an obvious choice and fits in with The Hague as a city of peace and justice.
Compensation for damage suffered is an important part of a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. The Netherlands is committed to this together with its international partners. We stand with Ukraine, in the fight for justice and beyond.