Switzerland joins register of damage caused by Russia's aggression in Ukraine
Switzerland has joined the register of damage caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Federal Council made this decision at a meeting on Wednesday, according to the website of the Swiss government.
"Switzerland's membership of the Register of Damage, soon to be formalised with the Council of Europe, highlights its support for the political process of reconstruction in Ukraine. It initiated this large-scale process in July 2022 in conjunction with the Ukrainian government at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2022 in Lugano," the statement said.
The register of damage caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine was established in May 2023 at the first summit of the Council of Europe in 17 years. 37 members of the Council of Europe, as well as Canada, the United States, Japan and the European Union joined the damage register.
The register's database contributes to international efforts to restore justice for the victims of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The register will also contribute to the fight against impunity and promote accountability, the Swiss government emphasizes.
The register is the first component of the future international comprehensive compensation mechanism, which will be created by a separate international treaty in cooperation with Ukraine. Next, a claims review commission and a compensation fund will be set up.
Any member or observer state of the Council of Europe and the European Union, as well as any other state that voted in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution of November 14, 2022, can join the register.
On November 14, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the creation of an international mechanism that would provide compensation to Ukraine for damage caused by Russia's aggression.
During the year of the war, Russia caused almost $144 billion in damage to Ukraine's infrastructure, according to the Kyiv School of Economics.
According to World Bank estimates, Ukraine's recovery needs will amount to at least $411 billion.
