UNITED NATIONS: The United States has thrown its support behind an international bid to document damages caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the hope that the effort will pave the way for post-war reparations.
A letter seen on Friday by AFP revealed that the US is backing the establishment of an “international register” to meticulously record the damages incurred across Ukraine as a result of the war initiated by Russia in February 2022.
In a non-binding vote in November, the UN General Assembly endorsed the idea of such a register. Marija Pejcinovic Buric, head of the Council of Europe, also proposed earlier this year that the Strasbourg-based organization take the lead in creating and maintaining the register.
The Council of Europe, comprised of 46 nations and established in 1949, aims to uphold principles such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Member nations are currently gathered for a meeting in Reykjavik, mainly focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, stated in a letter to Buric that the United States would contribute funding and would also serve as an “associate member” of the nascent register.
The letter, seen by AFP, emphasized the US commitment to holding Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine, echoing President Biden’s stance on the matter. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of establishing a Register of Damage to document claims of damage resulting from Russia’s brutal war, considering it a critical step in efforts to hold Russia accountable.
According to the World Bank’s estimate in March, Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery needs amount to $411 billion, which is 2.6 times the country’s estimated gross domestic product for 2022. The United States has previously voiced support for another international initiative regarding Ukraine, namely the establishment of a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression.
Ahead of her upcoming trip, Thomas-Greenfield had a phone conversation on Friday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. During the call, they discussed efforts to renew a UN-backed deal that ensures exports of grain from Ukraine, a crucial breadbasket for the region.
The US ambassador’s spokesman, Nate Evans, revealed that negotiations led by Turkey and the United Nations resulted in Russia agreeing to the initiative in July, which allows shipments from Black Sea ports. However, Russia has not committed to a new renewal of the deal scheduled for next week.
The United States’ backing of the international effort to document damages from Russia’s invasion underscores its commitment to holding Russia accountable and seeking reparations for the devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine.
The establishment of an international register and potential post-war reparations could provide vital support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery efforts, aiding the country in overcoming the extensive damage caused by the conflict. – AFP
