Justice for Ukraine. Maia Sandu, in The Hague: "Europe's security depends on the support given to Ukraine"
The International Complaints Commission for Ukraine, established on December 16 in The Hague, under the auspices of the Council of Europe, whose presidency is currently held by the Republic of Moldova, represents a vital necessity for the future security of the European continent, says President Maia Sandu.
In her speech at the opening of the Conference dedicated to the adoption of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, the structure that will examine and resolve claims for compensation for damages caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Maia Sandu warned that the lack of accountability of the aggressors creates the premises for new conflicts.
Maia Sandu insisted that peace cannot exist without justice, and the newly established Commission sends a clear message: violations of international law will not go unpunished.
“This matters, first of all, for people. For those who have lost family members. For those whose homes have been destroyed, whose lives have been changed forever. The law cannot undo the loss, but it can recognize the damage, restore dignity and affirm that suffering is neither invisible nor forgotten”, the president noted.
"Ukraine's resilience keeps peace in Europe"
The head of state also showed that such an institution matters for the international system: "At a time when some argue that only power should decide on the consequences, Europe says something else: that stability depends on laws, cooperation and shared responsibility, especially for smaller and more vulnerable states."
The president also pointed out that the stakes of this war go beyond the borders of Ukraine and "affect us" as well, as it is about Europe's ability to defend its values.
“Ukraine is holding out. It continues to defend its territory, its citizens and the security of Europe. Russia has not achieved its objectives. Every meter of advance in Ukraine comes with colossal human and military costs for Russia. This war will soon last longer than Russia’s participation in World War II. The fact that Moscow has not yet managed to conquer Donbas is proof of Ukraine’s extraordinary capacity to resist and adapt. Mr. President Zelensky, Ukraine’s resilience matters far beyond its borders. It keeps peace in Europe. Europe’s security now depends on supporting Ukraine and preventing Russia from continuing this war and preparing the next one,” declared Maia Sandu.
Sanctions deter aggressors
The President of the Republic of Moldova opted for continued “strong and sustained” support for Ukraine, as well as for reducing Russia’s capacity to wage war.
“Sanctions matter. Isolation matters. Pressure matters. A war of aggression cannot be allowed to remain economically sustainable. Effective deterrence today avoids much greater military, economic and human costs in the future,” Maia Sandu emphasized.
The official welcomed the European Union’s decision to freeze Russian assets indefinitely, because it “strengthens deterrence” and “sends a message to future aggressors that war has lasting costs.”
“The way this war ends will determine whether Europe will have stability or face new wars. And this is Europe’s responsibility. Not someone else’s. Not another continent’s. The responsibility lies with Europe – to uphold peace, to support Ukraine and to defend the foundations of our security, democracy and well-being. To do these things with determination or to fail in the face of history – thus endangering the democratic and peaceful future of Europe. Ukraine is fighting. The question is whether Europe will rise to the occasion or will fail,” Maia Sandu also said from the rostrum of the Hague Conference.
Finally, the President assured that the Republic of Moldova, a state that holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, supports "a Europe that acts early, with determination and together" and that "understands that supporting Ukraine and deterring aggression today is the price of tomorrow's peace".
The International Claims Commission for Ukraine was established at a diplomatic conference in The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
President Maia Sandu opened the Hague Conference alongside Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset.
The International Claims Commission for Ukraine, established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, will have the mandate to examine, assess and resolve claims submitted to the Register of Claims for Ukraine and to determine, on a case-by-case basis, the amount of compensation due.
We remind you that the Republic of Moldova holds the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from November 2025 to May 2026.
