In The Hague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a diplomatic conference during which the Convention Establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine was signed.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the support for Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and our right to defend ourselves.
“Today – and this year – things are being created for Ukraine that should have started a long time ago – at least back in 2014. But really, in fact, considering how many wars Russia has started or supported, this should have happened even earlier,” the President of Ukraine said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for maintaining pressure on Russia for as long as the occupation of Ukrainian land continues. According to the Head of State, Russia must feel that it is a criminal and face consequences for that as long as Ukrainians remain in Russian captivity, and until the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are brought home.
“We expect that every mechanism for compensation – from the Register of Damage and Claims Commission to the actual payments – will start working and receive strong and sufficient international support, so that people can truly feel that any kind of damage caused by the war can be compensated,” the President emphasized.
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof stressed that there can be no just and lasting peace without justice.
“We are sending a very clear message today in The Hague. Once peace is achieved, justice must be set in motion. And when the war ends, Ukraine can continue to count on the Netherlands and on all other partners,” the Prime Minister said.
On behalf of Ukraine, the Convention was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha.
“This is a unique, independent international document that should be central when we talk about reparations during peace negotiations. Today in The Hague, 35 states will sign the Convention Establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This is unprecedented for such a commission on the very first day of its work,” emphasized Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset.
President of Moldova Maia Sandu called for continued support for Ukraine and underscored the importance of pressure on Russia.
“This Commission matters. It matters to the people – to those who have lost loved ones, to those whose homes were destroyed, and to those whose lives have been changed forever,” she concluded.