Russia has to pay for death and destruction: Ukraine's Prime Minister describes how to involve frozen assets in country's recovery

This information was mentioned in his column published in The Guardian.

According to him, the first step in holding the aggressor accountable has already been taken - the launch of a damages registry.

"There are four more important steps ahead. First, an international commission to determine the amount of compensation to be paid to victims on the basis of the data in the register must be established. Second, partner states must amend their legislation to allow the diversion of “frozen” Russian assets to Ukraine. Third, a compensation fund in which the money will be collected must be set up," Shmyhal wrote.

The fourth step will involve the practical implementation of confiscation and payments for reconstruction.

"We are aware that we are pioneers. So far, no one has done anything similar. We understand the fears of our partners, but Russia’s criminal actions are so unprecedented that fundamentally new, courageous decisions are needed. These decisions will be important not only for Ukraine, but for the whole world," emphasized the Prime Minister.

Shmyhal also proposed the creation of a universal mechanism for collecting compensation from aggressor countries.

"We propose to create a universal system whereby the internationally recognised aggressor and perpetrator of war pays for its crimes. This will be a fully legitimate mechanism based on the relevant international agreement," the head of the government stated.

·         On June 21, the International Ukraine Recovery Conference, organized by the United Kingdom in collaboration with Ukraine, started in London. It is a continuation of the annual Reform Conference for Ukraine, which has been held since 2017. At the beginning of the conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was given the floor.