On 6 December, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, who is on a visit to Ukraine.

One of the key topics discussed was the continuation of work on an international compensation mechanism.

"We must make russia pay for the destruction caused to Ukraine. The establishment of the Register of Damages at the Council of Europe summit last year was a landmark decision on this path. We expect that next year all 45 categories of claims for compensation for damage caused by russia will be launched in the register," the Head of Ukrainian Government stressed.

He also highlighted the need to speed up the launch of the Compensation Commission and the Compensation Fund as part of the compensation mechanism.

The participants of the meeting also focused on further work on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. 

"All russian war criminals must be held accountable for their actions. In particular, those criminals who abducted Ukrainian children," the Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed. At the same time, Denys Shmyhal thanked the Council of Europe for its leadership in establishing the Advisory Group and for appointing a Special Representative for Children in Ukraine, as all these steps are important for the return of Ukrainian boys and girls to their families.

"I am also grateful to the Council of Europe Development Bank, which responded quickly to the challenges of the war, in particular through the HOME project. The total volume of the Bank's portfolio in Ukraine will exceed EUR 1 billion by 2027," the Prime Minister said and noted the importance for the Ukrainian people of the Council of Europe's assistance in defending justice, rebuilding the country and ensuring a secure future.