Ukrainians abroad can apply for moral compensation: a new category has been opened in the International Register of Damages

Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the war can submit an application to the International Register of Damages in a new category. Find out who is eligible to apply, how to submit an application through “Diyu,” and what will happen next

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Millions of Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the full-scale invasion by the russian federation now have the opportunity to record the damage caused to them at the international level. From now on, they can submit an application to the International Register of Damage in the new category A1.2 — “Forced displacement outside Ukraine.”

This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

What does category A1.2 mean in the International Register of Damage?

The new category refers specifically to the fact of forced displacement outside Ukraine as a separate form of damage caused by the russian federation's aggression.

It is not about material losses, but about moral and non-property damage associated with forced departure from the country, the severance of social ties, the loss of the familiar environment, and the inability to return home.

Thus, the international mechanism gradually covers not only destroyed property, but also the consequences of forced migration.

Who is eligible to apply

Applications may be submitted by persons who, since February 24, 2022:

● have been forced to leave their place of residence and leave Ukraine;

● cannot return due to russian aggression or in order to avoid its consequences.

The application concerns the fact of forced displacement as damage caused. This means that even in the absence of material losses, a person has the right to record the fact of forced departure.

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How to submit an application to the International Register of Damage

Applications are submitted through the “Dіia” portal. It can be submitted regardless of where the person is currently located — in Ukraine or abroad. When applying, it is necessary to indicate whether the person has received temporary protection or asylum in another country.

It is important to note that Ukrainians abroad can also submit applications in other categories of the register, in particular regarding damage to or destruction of housing, as well as in cases of serious personal loss.

What will happen after the application is submitted

Applications that meet the established requirements will be forwarded to the future compensation commission for consideration. This commission will subsequently determine the amount of possible payments.

Currently, the International Register of Damage performs the function of collecting and recording evidence. Decisions on the compensation mechanism and financing of payments will be made separately.

Submitting an application is a legal record of the damage caused at the international level. For Ukrainians abroad, it is important to correctly formalize their residence status, temporary protection or asylum documents, as this information may be relevant when submitting an application. In complex cases, it is advisable to seek advice from immigration lawyers. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can obtain professional legal support regarding your residence status abroad, documents, and other immigration issues.

We remind you! In 2026, Ukraine changed the rules for compensation for damaged housing for co-owners. Read on to find out who can now apply for e-restoration, how co-owners' objections work, and what new responsibilities are imposed on the recipient of compensation.

Photo: shutterstock

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