A forum dedicated to practical assistance to people affected by the full-scale Russian invasion was held in Lviv. Representatives of local governments from Lviv, Ternopil, Volyn, and Zakarpattia regions participated.

Under the auspices of the Council of Europe, a Register of Damage Caused by the Russian Federation’s Aggression against Ukraine was established in 2023. Its purpose is to record and record statements and evidence of damage caused by the war, both to individuals and legal entities, and to the state. This includes destroyed or damaged housing, injuries, deaths of loved ones, loss of property, income, etc.

“Every criminal must be punished, which is why such a register is needed. We record material losses, try to give people a chance to restore their homes. And this is only part of how Russia has mocked our country. Our region is trying to be a leader in many issues. Now the responsibility is placed on the rear regions to help those who have lost everything. We must not only shelter, but also create conditions for a decent life, psychological support and recovery. This is a common cause that requires both humanity and determination. We cannot return what was lost, but we can return hope and a sense of home to people,” said Khrystyna Zamula, Deputy Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration.

Today, we have two separate registers: the State Register (records information on damaged and destroyed movable and immovable property) and the International Register of Losses (is the first step of an international compensation mechanism, which, in addition to property losses, also covers information on relatives missing in wartime, injuries received, various forms of violence, deprivation of liberty, forced labor, etc.).

Applications are submitted through “Diya” in the ” eRecovery ” tabs” and “Reparations: International Register of Damages”If it is impossible to submit an application in this way, you can contact the ASN, an official of the social protection authority, or a notary for such a service.

“To date, 834 buildings out of 1,252 damaged in the Lviv region have been entered into the State Register. Residents of the region actively use the eReconstruction program, which provides monetary compensation for damaged and destroyed housing. Thus, 169 owners of private houses and apartments have already received compensation from eReconstruction for a total amount of over 18 million hryvnias, of which the largest number are from the Lviv community - 90, Novoyavorivska - 15 and Zolochivska - 14. The amount of compensation varies depending on the object itself, namely how damaged it is and needs repair. The decision to provide such compensation is made by the relevant commission at the community level. It is important that applications are considered promptly and within the established period - no more than 30 calendar days,” emphasized Vadym Tabakera, Director of the Economic Policy Department.

The register of damages is not just a database, but a step towards justice, reconstruction, and accountability. It gives victims a chance to receive compensation, and Ukraine a chance to seek reparations for the damage caused.

Read more: Register of damages: an important step towards justice

Ilona Ornat