Record number of states ready to sign convention on reparations for Ukraine

States attending the diplomatic conference in The Hague plan to set a record by approving an international treaty immediately after its creation.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said that the level of support from participating states – representing not only Europe – had exceeded expectations.

"Thirty-five countries will sign the convention establishing the claims commission. This is unprecedented for a convention on its first day," he said.

As a result, even on the first day, the number of signatures will exceed the number of states parties to the Register of Damage.

The Secretary General did not specify which countries have agreed to sign the document on the first day, but it is known that representatives of more than 50 states have arrived in The Hague, including not only European countries but also states from Latin America, North America, Asia and Australia.

Berset stressed that he sees a direct link between this process and the peace process. "Accountability cannot be a footnote to peace talks. Accountability is a central aspect of any peace plan," he explained.

Alain Berset also emphasised that he believes in the power of international law.

"The Council of Europe has no drones, no missiles, but it has the force of the law – international law that applies to all," he said.

Corrected: the number of states ready to sign the convention has been corrected in the article.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Netherlands to participate in a conference on the creation of a compensation commission.

Hungary is represented at the lowest level at the conference on reparations.