Compensation for victims of the Russian armed aggression

Draft bill #9279 of May 8, 2023 

Cosponsors: a group of 7 MPs 

Status: submitted to the Verkhovna Rada 

Who is affected: residents of Ukraine 

Summary of the bill: 

• the bill defines the foundations of how compensation to Ukrainian citizens for moral damage will be paid at the expense of funds recovered from Russia as the aggressor state 
• each citizen of Ukraine will be considered a victim of the aggression, except for persons suspected or convicted of crimes against the national security of Ukraine 
• to receive compensation, citizens will have to submit a written application via administrative service centers, Ukrainian consulates abroad, or Diia application 
• compensation to victims of the aggression will be paid from funds acquired from Russia but in the amount not less than 8% of Russia’s gross domestic product 

• compensation for moral damage will be distributed in equal amounts among the victims of aggression, excluding the costs of administering this distribution. Administrative expenses must be economically justified and not exceed 1% of the total amount paid from Russia 
• to administer the distribution of compensation, Ukraine will establish the Compensation Fund. Its work will be regulated by additional legislative acts that will be adopted no later than the date of Russia’s capitulation. 

What is wrong: 

• the bill does not provide detailed financial calculations concerning the compensation funding. Compensation will be paid by Russia only after a peace agreement is concluded and reparation payments settled 
• the bill establishes unwarranted expectations from the state and thus undermines people’s trust in the state.