Europe takes a major legal step to compensate Ukraine for war damages as leaders launch an international claims commission in The Hague.

European leaders on Tuesday launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague, aiming to hold Russia financially accountable for the massive destruction caused by its invasion of Ukraine and to compensate victims of alleged war crimes.

The initiative was formally launched after 34 European countries signed a convention, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attending the gathering. The move comes as diplomatic efforts, led by the United States, continue to seek an end to the nearly three-year-long war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskiy stressed that accountability is essential for lasting peace, saying every Russian war crime must have consequences. He added that peace cannot be achieved simply by stopping the fighting, but by ensuring respect for international law.

The commission, which will be based in the Netherlands, will assess claims for damage, loss, and injury caused by Russian actions in or against Ukraine. These claims may be submitted by individuals, businesses, and the Ukrainian state. The body will review cases filed with the Register of Damage for Ukraine, which has already received more than 86,000 claims.

While the commission marks a significant legal step, officials cautioned that compensation will not be immediate. Discussions are ongoing over funding mechanisms, including the possible use of frozen Russian assets held by the European Union. Russia has rejected war crimes allegations and warned of retaliation if its assets are used.

The World Bank estimates Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction costs at $524 billion, a figure that does not yet include damage from intensified Russian attacks in 2025 targeting energy and civilian infrastructure.

The commission is the second pillar of an international compensation mechanism and will become operational after ratification by at least 25 signatory states and confirmation of sufficient funding.