On March 19, 2025, a professional meeting took place in Kyiv between representatives of the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) and the Board of the Register of Damage caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U). The meeting was hosted at the office of UBA's general partner, the law firm Sayenko Kharenko, which kindly provided the space for the event.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from UBA President Mykola Stetsenko, who emphasized that the Register of Damage is not just a tool for recording losses but a cornerstone of the future international compensation mechanism. The effectiveness of this mechanism will determine how justice is served for Ukraine and its citizens. Olexander Droug, a partner at Sayenko Kharenko, also took part in the opening.

The discussion was moderated by UBA Vice President Ivan Horodyskyy, Managing Partner at Dexis Partners, who facilitated an engaging dialogue between the Ukrainian legal community and the members of the Board of the Register – Yuliya Kyrpa, Olexandra Meżykowska, and Norbert Wühler. Sandra Lyngdorf, Deputy to the Executive Director of the Register of Damage, also joined the discussion.

The meeting addressed a wide range of pressing issues, including the initial results of the Register's work, challenges in submitting claims under the currently open categories, common mistakes made by claimants, and the necessity of effective cooperation between the Register and Ukraine’s legal community.

Members of the Register’s Board stressed that while accessibility is a core principle of its operation, the role of legal professionals remains crucial—particularly in supporting legal entities and complex cases that require expert guidance. They also highlighted the complexity of financing compensation payments, noting that progress in this area will largely depend on the effectiveness of claim submission and review processes.

Participants had the opportunity not only to ask questions but also to discuss the needs of victims, many of whom are their clients. The discussion also covered key aspects of damage assessment methodology, including property valuation and the variables influencing compensation calculations.

The meeting demonstrated the strong interest of the legal community in establishing structured cooperation with the Register of Damage. As participants noted, only through joint efforts and ongoing professional dialogue will it be possible to create an effective and fair compensation mechanism that meets the challenges of today.

More information on the work of the Register of Damage, claim submission mechanisms, and international support for this process is available on its official website and its Facebook and LinkedIn pages.