Ukraine and over 30 nations to approve new claims body to seek compensation for Russia’s invasion

Key Highlights

• During the discussions, Zelenskyy said he was ready to abandon Ukraine’s bid to join Nato in return for Western security guarantees, but he rejected the US push for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD“These security guarantees are an opportunity to prevent another wave of Russian aggression,” he said, responding to journalists’ questions.
• “And this is already a compromise on our part.”More from World 'Not easy but productive': Zelenskyy hails ‘real progress’ in Berlin talks with Trump envoys on security guarantees Zelenskyy meets Pope Leo as he prepares revised peace plan on war against RussiaClaims process and funding doubtsThe Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights body, has facilitated the International Claims Commission, which will allow Ukrainians to seek compensation for “damage, loss or injury” caused by the Russian Federation since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
• The commission will assess claims submitted to an existing register of damages launched at a Council of Europe summit in Iceland in 2023.“There will be no reliable peace without justice,” Zelenskyy told summit leaders in a video address from Kyiv.
• Around 80,000 claims have already been filed with the register, which is based in The Hague. Uncertainty remains over how the commission will be funded.
• The Council of Europe maintains that Russia must pay, but there is no clear mechanism to compel Moscow to do so.