Council of Europe - Signing of an international convention to obtain reparations for Ukraine (December 16, 2025)

On December 16 in the Hague, France, along with 34 other signatories, signed a Council of Europe convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

By signing this convention, France is sending a clear message: Russia must be held accountable and pay for the damages caused by its illegal, unjustified war of aggression. Under international law, Russia is fully responsible for the entirety of the damages, loss and injury resulting from this aggression.

This convention aligns with the efforts that began with the November 14, 2022, adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on the establishment of an international mechanism for compensation for the damage, loss and injury resulting from the aggression Russia has committed against Ukraine in violation of the UN Charter.

The first part of this mechanism, the Register of Damage for Ukraine, was set up in 2023 and joined by 44 states and the European Union, which receives the compensation claims and documents the evidence. The creation of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine constitutes the second part of this mechanism, which can henceforth decide on the value of the damages suffered.

France will continue to work with all of its partners to ensure that international law is respected and to obtain a just and lasting peace. France reaffirms its determination to support Ukraine in the long term.