President at diplomatic conference for establishment of International Claims Commission for Ukraine: If aggression goes unpunished, risk of new wars increases

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu opened the diplomatic conference for the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, alongside Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dick Schoof, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset.

In her speech, Maia Sandu highlighted the importance of holding the Russian Federation accountable for the crimes committed against Ukraine. "This responsibility is important not only for Ukraine but for the entire Europe. If aggression goes unpunished, the risk of new wars increases. When a state breaks the law and destroys the lives of others, it must be held accountable. This is how peace is defended: through clear rules and the courage to say that evil has consequences. Moldova supports this commission because we know that peace only lasts when it is built on justice, and justice begins by helping those who have suffered," Maia Sandu said.

Moreover, the head of state reminded the necessity of a common commitment for a dignified and lasting peace that ends suffering and prevents new wars: "Beyond all high-level discussions, we must keep in mind the primary goal: saving lives, stopping suffering, and bringing about a peace that does not set the stage for the next war."

The International Claims Commission for Ukraine is an international mechanism established under the aegis of the Council of Europe, aiming to examine and resolve compensation claims for damages caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. The new Commission will have the mandate to examine, evaluate, and resolve submitted claims and to determine, on a case-by-case basis, the amount of compensation due.

The establishment of the International Claims Commission is the next step following the creation of the Register of Damages for Ukraine, at the Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik in May 2023. These two instruments are part of the international effort to hold Russia accountable for the crimes committed in Ukraine and are constituted under the aegis of the Council of Europe. The Republic of Moldova holds the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from November 2025 to May 2026.