Register of Damage for Ukraine: Who Can Apply, When, and Why – Explained by East SOS Lawyer

Submitting a claim to the Register of Damage for Ukraine is one of the key tools for documenting damages caused by russia’s aggression. The Eastern Variant (Skhidnyi Variant) media outlet prepared answers to frequently asked questions about the Register, while East SOS lawyer Vladyslav Platonov explained in detail how this mechanism works.

Here are the key points:

• Why submit a claim to the Register of Damage for Ukraine?

You can submit a claim if you have suffered damage or loss as a result of russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Register was created to collect information about the scale and consequences of this damage. Although it does not currently determine compensation amounts or award payments, it serves as an important foundation for a future international compensation mechanism for those affected.

• ⁠How to submit a claim to the Register of Damage for Ukraine?

Claims can be submitted via the Diia web portal or app. In the section “Reparations: Register of Damage for Ukraine”, select the relevant category, fill in the required information, and confirm your application using an electronic signature or Diia.Signature. Some Administrative Service Centers (CNAPs) also provide assistance with the process.

• Who can apply and under which categories?

“Internally displaced persons (IDP) can apply under all currently available 16 categories. Those without IDP status can apply under all categories except those related to involuntary internal displacement,” explains the lawyer.

Available categories include:

A1.1 Involuntary Internal Displacement

A1.2 Involuntary Displacement Outside of Ukraine

A2.1 Death of an Immediate Family Member

A2.2 Missing Immediate Family Member

A2.3 Serious Personal Injury

A2.4 Sexual Violence

A2.5 Torture or Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

A2.6 Deprivation of Liberty

A2.7 Forced Labour or Service

A2.8 and A2.9 Forcible Transfer or Deportation of Children and Adults

A3.1 Damage or Destruction of Residential Immovable Property

A3.2 Damage or Destruction of Non-Residential Immovable Property

A3.3 Loss of Housing or Residence

A3.5 Loss of Individual Enterprise

A3.6 Loss of Access or Control of Immovable Property in the Temporarily Occupied Territories

• Which categories of damage are recorded first?

The Register focuses on the most critical and direct consequences of the war.

“As a standard practice, priority is given to documenting damage or destruction of residential immovable property (category A3.1). This is one of the most common types of claims submitted via Diia. Involuntary internal displacement (category A1.1) and loss of access or control of immovable property in the temporarily occupied territories (category A3.6) are also recorded.”

• Can people displaced since 2014 submit claims to the Register of Damages?

At present, only claims for damage caused after the beginning of the full-scale invasion fall within the scope of the Register.

“People displaced since 2014 can apply under different categories, but only for the events that occurred after 24 February 2022. For example, if their property was occupied or destroyed, if they were internally displaced again, lost access to housing, or lost an immediate family member after that date,” Vladyslav explains.

There is currently no final decision regarding claims for events between 2014 and February 2022. However, the lawyer notes that changes may be introduced in the future, and the Register of Damage may begin to accept claims related to this period.

• How to report loss of employment due to the war?

Recently, a beta test of a new category in the Register of Damages – A3.4 “Loss of paid employment” due to russian aggression – has started in Ukraine.

To test the feature and submit a claim under this category, an identification code and an email address are required. Some of the information will be automatically retrieved from electronic registers, while the rest must be entered manually.

• ⁠What evidence is required?

Evidence submitted to the Register must confirm the occurrence of the damage, loss, or harm described in the claim.

“The requirements depend on the category, as each claim form includes a specific description of the information and evidence that must be provided and uploaded. Additional information and documents may also be submitted to support the claim,” the lawyer explained.

Main types of evidence that may be required, depending on the category:

1. Photos or video screenshots.
   
2. Documents confirming ownership or right of use.
   
3. Medical records.
   
4. Certificates and extracts from official registers.
   
5. Other materials as specified in the claim form.

In December 2025, leaders from across Europe and the world adopted the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission as the successor to the Register for Damages for Ukraine. The Commission will further develop a compensation mechanism for those affected and will review, assess, and decide upon claims submitted to the Register of Damage for Ukraine and determine the amount of compensation, if any, which is due in each case.

The full article is available here. Learn more about claim categories and submission rules here.

Legal assistance is available via the East SOS hotline: 0800 332 614 (Monday-Saturday, 8:00–18:00).

We also provide consultations via messengers:
+38 099 710 48 72 (Viber);
+38 096 108 60 48 (Telegram).

In Dnipro, legal consultations are available every Tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00 by prior appointment: +38 063 288 67 88 (Vladyslav).

Recently, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law exempting residents from utility bills for damaged or destroyed homes.