The Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) signed two agreements with Ukrainian authorities aimed at provision of assistance to people in Ukraine during the submission of claims for compensation of damage caused by Russia’s aggression and access to evidence collected by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies.
Provision of Legal Aid
RD4U signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision. Under the Memorandum, the Centre, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, will provide free legal aid to individuals across Ukraine for the purposes of submission of claims to the Register. Such legal aid may include assistance in completing claim forms in Diia, advice on collection and preservation of evidence and other matters.
The Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision coordinates Ukraine's free legal aid system. Operating under the Ministry of Justice, it oversees regional and local centres throughout Ukraine that provide primary and secondary legal assistance, including legal advice, defence, and representation in court. During the war, the Centre has adapted to address emerging legal needs, offering free resources to help Ukrainians navigate wartime legal challenges.
The document was signed during a meeting of the Register's Board and Executive Director with the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, and the Director of the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision, Oleksandr Baranov.
RD4U’s Executive Director, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, stated that “The Memorandum with Ministry of Justice, and the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision marks a significant step in ensuring broad and equitable access to the claims process. By leveraging Ukraine’s well-established free legal aid system, this partnership will provide vital legal support to individuals seeking to file claims for war-related damage. This practical collaboration reinforces the commitment to justice and accountability, ensuring that all those affected—regardless of their resources or circumstances—have the support they need to seek redress.”
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, highlighted: “The Register of Damage for Ukraine is a source of reliable and verified information that can be used in all aspects of ensuring justice in relation to holding Russia accountable, and not only within the framework of the compensation mechanism. Signing the memorandum will allow Ukrainian citizens to access more information about the Register and receive legal assistance in submission of their claims.”
In accordance with the Memorandum, RD4U will provide all the necessary training and materials to the Centre and attorneys working under its auspices to enable high quality legal aid to Ukrainian people.
Access to Evidence Collected by Law Enforcement Agencies
The Register of Damage for Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine have signed an Agreement on the Exchange of Electronic Data, which will ensure effective cooperation between the Register and law enforcement agencies and enable the transfer of certain evidence collected by investigators in Ukraine to the Register.
The document was signed during a meeting of the Register's Board and Executive Director, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, with Acting Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Oleksiy Khomenko, and heads of departments coordinating the investigation of crimes committed in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This agreement creates a legal foundation for the use of evidence collected by Ukrainian law enforcement to support reparation claims submitted to the Register. The materials collected by investigators directly in the field are a key source of information about the losses, destruction and damage caused to Ukraine and its citizens.
"The most complete information that comes to the Register is critical for recording all the damage caused and facilitating compensation. Evidence collected by law enforcement agencies plays a significant role in creating a comprehensive picture of the damage and supporting individual claims. We highly appreciate the willingness of the Prosecutor General's Office to cooperate on this matter," said Executive Director Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Register.
The Acting Prosecutor General, Oleksii Khomenko, noted that the signing of the Agreement elevates cooperation to a new level and represents an important step toward justice for victims.
Chair of the Board of the Register, Robert Spano, said that “The signing of this Agreement, which has now entered into force, is an important step towards justice for war victims and demonstrates the effective cooperation between institutions in documenting the damage and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine.”
On the basis of the Agreement, the Register and the Prosecutor General’s Office will now work to further define the scope of information and evidence the Register or claimants in Ukraine will be able to receive, as well as to make the necessary technical and formal arrangements.
