The Register of Damages for Ukraine has officially announced the start of accepting applications from people who lost close family members due to the full-scale invasion

Since 24 February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian families have suffered irreparable losses and can now apply for future compensation. The Register of Damages for Ukraine (RD4U) is the first component of a future international compensation mechanism that will document the losses, damages, and harm caused by Russian aggression.

The new category of claims covers compensation for mental pain and suffering suffered by applicants due to the death of a close family member. To apply, information must be provided about the applicant, the deceased's identity, the relationship with the deceased, and the event that caused the death. Some of the necessary information and documents will be automatically retrieved from the registers, simplifying the process of filling out and submitting applications through the Diia app. The Institute of Legislative Ideas has presented a Guide that will help to understand in detail all the nuances of filing applications.

Parents, spouses, civil partners, and children of the deceased can apply. In addition, other family members can also apply if they can prove that they have a legitimate interest in the application. Such persons must prove the existence of a close relationship and elements of dependence that differ from ordinary kinship with the deceased.

Importantly, applications related to the material consequences of the death of a close family member, including the loss of income or support from such a family member, may be filed under other relevant categories that will be opened for filing in the future.

Detailed information on the conditions and procedure for submitting claims can be found on the official website of the Register of Damages for Ukraine. This initiative is an important step towards recognizing and compensating for the damage caused by the war, as well as providing support to thousands of families who have lost loved ones due to Russian aggression.