Europe Establishes Commission for Ukraine War Damage Claims

An International Claims Commission for Ukraine is being established to evaluate and decide on reparations claims, including potential payouts by Russia. The mechanism for compelling Moscow to pay remains undefined. Here's the latest:

**Key Developments:**

• The International Claims Commission for Ukraine has been created in The Hague.
• Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, advises caution regarding a European force for Ukraine.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that proposals for ending the war will be presented to Russia soon.
• A recent report indicates that leading Indian arms manufacturers held meetings in Russia to explore potential joint ventures.

**Allies Support War Damage Compensation Plan**

Ukraine and 34 other nations have agreed to form a body to address compensation for damages caused by Russia's invasion. The announcement occurred in The Hague, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strong international support to ensure victims receive compensation.

The Council of Europe will oversee the International Claims Commission, enabling Ukrainians to file claims for losses incurred since February 2022.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated, "We are sending a very clear message from here in The Hague: after peace is achieved, justice must be allowed to take its course."

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. ensuring Russia's payment remains a challenge.

Zelenskyy addressed the Netherlands parliament, asserting, "The aggressor must pay."

The commission's establishment follows the creation of a "Register of Damages," which has already received over 80,000 reparations claims from individuals and organizations.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, addressing Ukrainians seeking reparations, stated, "We haven't forgotten that you have suffered."

**Germany Urges Caution on European Force for Ukraine**

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is advocating a cautious approach to establishing a European-led multinational force in Ukraine.

His comments follow the Berlin summit where European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposed a protection force to secure a possible ceasefire. Pistorius stated that while Europeans are committed to taking responsibility, further developments will largely depend on the reactions of the United States and Russia.

When questioned about Germany's potential contribution, Pistorius said, "When [Russian President Vladimir] Putin says how he wants to proceed, then we will see what that might consist of in detail."

He added, "At this stage, this is about Europeans - quite naturally - committing themselves to sharing responsibility and being involved at the negotiating table in the further course of developments."

The plan involves a Europe-led force, supported by the US, operating within Ukraine. Washington has not yet responded, although it has previously ruled out sending troops.

Discussions regarding a multinational peacekeeping mission are ongoing, with France and Britain advocating for concrete steps, while Germany remains more reserved.

**German Navy Enhances Capabilities with New Submarine-Hunting Helicopters**

The German Navy has received the first of 30 new helicopters designed to bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that these aircraft will enhance defenses against underwater and surface threats and aid in submarine detection.

Pistorius, quoted by dpa, noted, "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin is continuing to massively upgrade his navy. He has little or no need for it in Ukraine. The Black Sea Fleet is one thing, but the North Atlantic Fleet is something else."

He added, "This means that we, as NATO and as the Federal Republic of Germany, need to equip our naval forces quickly and better."

The Sea Tiger, designed for use on frigates, represents a significant modernization effort for Germany's naval forces. The NH-90 Sea Tiger will replace the Sea Lynx, which has been in service since 1981.

**Zelenskyy Advocates Joint EU Membership Path for Ukraine and Moldova**

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova should pursue European Union membership together.

Zelenskyy met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in The Hague before a conference focused on establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. He advocated for a coordinated approach to joining the EU. Sandu added that they also discussed "efforts for a dignified peace" in Ukraine.

**Eastern Flank Countries Push for EU Defense Initiative**

European Union countries bordering Russia are developing plans to strengthen defense and security.

Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said leaders will outline specific proposals to reinforce the EU’s eastern borders.

The meeting in Helsinki includes representatives from Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania.

Their goal is to sustain key EU defense projects, despite reservations from larger members like Germany and France, who prefer non-EU frameworks.

One proposal under consideration is "Eastern Flank Watch." Leaders at the Helsinki meeting hope to secure EU funding for the initiative.

The talks precede a major EU summit in Brussels next week.

**Russian City Sees Protests Against War Memorial Church**

Plans to construct a church honoring Russia's war dead have triggered rare public protests in Krasnodar, a southern city.

Video footage shows residents gathering in a riverside park, appealing to President Vladimir Putin to halt the project.

Reuters reported that they read a message urging Putin to preserve the park in the Yubileiny district, near the Kuban river, as a green space for future generations.

"We are not against religion. We are in favour of the law," the message stated. "The authorities are not listening to us. We are forced to shout. Yubileiny is against this development."

Authorities state that the church will honor "heroes of the special military operation," Russia's term for the war in Ukraine.

**Russia Claims Control of Kupiansk**

Russia's military announced on Tuesday that it has full control of Kupiansk, a key city in northeastern Ukraine.

According to Interfax, Ukrainian attempts to advance from the southwest towards the city's outskirts are being repelled.

Russia previously claimed to have captured Kupiansk in November, but Ukraine later reported regaining parts of the city. President Zelenskyy posted a video from the Kupiansk area after Kyiv announced the recapture of several districts and two nearby towns.

**Report: Indian Arms Makers Meet with Russian Counterparts**

Executives from major Indian arms manufacturers, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, reportedly participated in meetings in Russia this year to discuss potential joint ventures, according to Reuters.

The meeting allegedly took place in October, coinciding with the first trip of Indian defense business leaders to Russia since 2022.

Spokespeople from Bharat Forge and Adani Group have denied the allegations.

Reuters quoted an Adani spokesperson as saying, "No Adani representative attended or participated in any meetings in Russia — official or otherwise. Any reporting that states or implies otherwise is false."

India's Defense Ministry has not yet commented.

Reuters has stated that it stands by its report.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to establish India as a global defense manufacturing hub. He recently welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi.

Potential collaboration with Moscow could impede Indian defense companies' plans to collaborate with Western agencies and firms.

**European Leaders Expected to Approve Commission on Ukraine War Damages**

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders were scheduled to meet in The Hague on Tuesday to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by Russia since its full-scale invasion in 2022.

The Netherlands and the Council of Europe, a 46-nation human rights organization, are hosting the conference.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is among the senior officials attending the meeting.

Over 50 countries and the EU have drafted a Council of Europe convention to establish the commission, which will take effect upon ratification by 25 signatories.

A two-year-old Register of Damage, incorporated into the commission, has received over 80,000 claims from individuals and organizations in Ukraine.

The World Bank estimates that reconstruction costs in Ukraine could reach $524 billion over the next decade. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. this figure only accounts for damage through December 2024 and excludes the damage caused by escalating Russian attacks this year.

Details regarding how damages awarded by the commission will be paid remain to be determined.

**Conference to Launch International Claims Commission**

A conference of European leaders in The Hague will mark the launch of an International Claims Commission to provide compensation to Ukraine for hundreds of billions of dollars in damages resulting from Russia's aggression and alleged war crimes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attending the event.

The meeting follows a proposal by European officials for a European-led multinational force, with US support, to enforce a Ukraine peace deal.