On 24 February 2026, which marked the fourth anniversary of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine, a round table titled “Compensation for damage caused by the war: international and national aspects” was held in Kyiv. The event brought together representatives of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, the Supreme Court, the National School of Judges of Ukraine, and courts of various instances.
This date is forever engraved in Ukraine’s modern history as a day that brought severe trials to millions of Ukrainian families. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the duty of the State and the international community to advance the establishment of an effective mechanism for recording the damage caused and ensuring its future compensation. In this context, the Register of Damage for Ukraine serves as the foundation of a future compensation mechanism, while the case-law of Ukrainian courts provides an important evidentiary basis for its development.
The event, held in a hybrid format and attended by more than 100 participants, including Ms Maryna Chervynska, President of the Civil Cassation Court within the Supreme Court, Ms Olha Stupak, judge of the above court, Mr Mykola Mazur and Ms Nadiia Stefaniv, judges of the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court, and judges from first-instance courts and courts of appeal, aimed to enhance judges’ awareness about the international compensation mechanism for Ukraine, in particular about the mandate of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, open claims categories and the relevant procedure.
Mr Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, emphasised the importance of coordination among all involved institutions:
“Restoration of justice through compensation is possible only through the joint efforts. Coordination between the judiciary and the Register of Damage is critical for the effective protection of the rights of those affected.”
Special attention was paid to the analysis of national case-law concerning war-related damage. Ukrainian courts play a key role in establishing legal facts, assessing evidence and protecting the rights of those affected by the war, in line with Council of Europe standards.
Mr Yaroslav Holovachov, President of the Kyiv Court of Appeal, and Mr Mykola Onishchuk, Rector of the National School of Judges of Ukraine, stressed the importance of training of judges who will consider such cases and of developing specialised training tools with the support of international partners.
“Today’s dialogue enables judges to better understand the role of the Register of Damage for Ukraine and to avoid duplication of proceedings,” noted Mr Holovachov.
“The development of specialised training tools and the exchange of experience increase the effectiveness of protection of the rights of those affected by the aggression,” added Mr Onishchuk.
Participants of the round table noted that despite the different legal nature and functions of the domestic courts and the Register of Damage for Ukraine, their interaction creates a solid basis for the establishment of a comprehensive international compensation mechanism.
The event confirmed the joint commitment of Ukrainian and international institutions to restoring justice and ensuring compensation for those affected by the aggression of the Russian Federation.
