Using Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Reparations and Support

Documenting War Crimes in Ukraine

• 💡 The Eastern Ukrainian Centre for Civic Initiatives has been documenting international crimes committed by Russia since 2014.
• 🎯 Crimes documented include sexual violence, illegal imprisonment, extrajudicial executions, forced labor, forced eviction, and shelling.
• ✍️ Information is collected through interviews with survivors and witnesses, with the goal of admissibility in court cases.

Challenges and Emotional Toll

• 😔 The work is emotionally difficult, especially after many years, but is considered a necessary choice to prevent future crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
• ⚠️ Sexual violence is a significant problem, committed against both women and men, often in places of captivity.
• ⚖️ Historically, some crimes were not officially recognized by the Ukrainian state, but the government is now beginning to address these issues.

The Case for Reparations

• 💰 Frozen Russian assets, estimated at around $300 billion, are available and could be used for reparations to civilians and to support the Ukrainian army.
• 🤝 This approach is compared to how Nazi Germany eventually paid reparations.
• 🗣️ Politicians and lawyers need to resolve the legal and procedural issues for the proper use of these assets.

International Hesitation and Broader Implications

• 🌍 Not all European governments agree on seizing Russian assets, with countries like Germany expressing doubts.
• ⚠️ Those reluctant to seize assets should understand that Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, potentially threatening former Soviet Union spheres of influence and even Europe.
• 🇺🇦 Supporting Ukraine now is crucial to stop Russian expansionism before it reaches European borders.

Support and Mission

• 🙏 The organization feels support from colleagues and supporters in Great Britain, including MPs from various parties.
• 🌟 This support is vital for implementing their mission and for Ukraine's resilience.