Ukrainians abroad have gained a new right to compensation: how to apply
24 February 00:21
Ukrainian refugees who were forced to leave the country due to Russia’s full-scale aggression can now apply to the International Register of Damages to receive compensation for moral suffering. The acceptance of documents began on February 23, 2026. This was announced by the chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Organization of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development, and Urban Planning, Olena Shulyak, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
This refers to applications submitted under the international mechanism of the Register of Damages for Ukraine (RD4U), created under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
Who can submit an application
On February 23, category A1.2 was opened — moral damage from forced displacement outside Ukraine.
According to Olena Shulyak, as of the end of 2025, there were more than 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees worldwide. The following persons may submit an application:
- persons who have been granted temporary protection or refugee status abroad;
- Ukrainian citizens who left due to the war after February 24, 2022;
- persons who can confirm the fact of forced displacement.
“Applications in this category relate directly to the fact of forced displacement outside Ukraine as a form of damage caused by aggression. This refers exclusively to moral damages,” Shulyak explained.
What exactly is compensation provided for?
Category A1.2 covers non-material losses related to forced departure:
- psychological suffering;
- loss of normal way of life;
- breakdown of social ties;
- stress due to forced stay in another country.
At the same time, material losses — loss of work, housing, income — are submitted in other categories of the Register.
What other categories are already open
Currently, one-third of the planned categories are available in RD4U. Among them are:
- forced internal displacement;
- serious bodily injury;
- sexual violence;
- death of a close family member;
- disappearance;
- torture;
- forced labor;
- deportation of children and adults;
- damage or destruction of property;
- loss of control over property in the temporarily occupied territories.
According to the data, more than 115,000 applications have already been submitted, of which about 30,000 have been entered into the Register.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
How to submit an application to the International Register of Damage
Interaction with the International Register of Damage is simplified as much as possible and integrated into state electronic services. Applications to the Register are submitted exclusively through electronic channels, in particular, through the web portal and the “Dія” application.
How to submit an application through the Diya app
- Log in to your account in “Dія” using BankID or an electronic signature.
- In the services section, find “Reparations: International Register of Damages.”
- Select the category of damage that applies to your case.
- Fill out the application form, providing all the requested information and details of the incident.
- Attach documents confirming the damage or circumstances (e.g., inspection reports, photos, certificates, documents confirming ownership, etc.).
- Check the form and sign the application—it will then be sent.
- After the application is submitted, it is checked for compliance with technical requirements (documents must be legible and accessible).
- If the application meets the criteria, it will be entered into the Register and then forwarded to the Commission, which will decide on compensation.
How the compensation mechanism will work
The Register of Damages for Ukraine (RD4U) is the first step in creating a full-fledged international reparations mechanism.
The next step will be the creation of a special Compensation Commission, which will:
- determine the amount of payments;
- develop compensation procedures;
- make decisions on specific claims.
Payments will begin after the formation of a special compensation fund, which is planned to be filled, in particular, with frozen Russian assets.
Within the EU, there are plans to create a separate institution by 2027 that will be responsible for establishing mechanisms for monetary compensation for Ukrainians.
Why this is important for millions of refugees
For the first time at the international level, Ukrainians have been granted the right to claim compensation specifically for moral damage caused by their forced stay abroad.
It is expected that after the opening of category A1.2, the number of applications will increase significantly, as millions of citizens will have the opportunity to officially record the damage caused to them.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
