Representatives of over 50 states, the European Union and the Council of Europe gathered in The Hague from 12 to 15 May for the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee on an International Treaty to establish a Claims Commission for Ukraine (INC).

The meeting, chaired by Mr René Lefeber, Legal Advisor and Head of the International Law Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was a pivotal step forward in shaping a robust mechanism for addressing the consequences of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.

In her opening address, Ms Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, underscored the urgency of the Committee’s task:

“Compensation for damages is not merely an act of moral restitution — it is a strategic imperative for securing lasting peace and global stability.”

Building on the outcomes of its first meeting, the INC conducted in-depth discussions on the text of the draft treaty. Delegates also held a conceptual exchange on critical aspects of the future Claims Commission, including on membership, governance structures and funding.

The INC agreed to reconvene in The Hague for its third session in July 2025.

These negotiations mark a key step forward in establishing a comprehensive international compensation mechanism under international law to ensure accountability and justice for victims of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The Register of Damage for Ukraine, in accordance with its Statutes, facilitates and participates in the work to establish the Claims Commission for Ukraine and Mr Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register, serves as Secretary of the INC.