Lithuania ratifies treaty establishing commission on Russian aggression damages

Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas, has unanimously ratified an international convention to establish a commission for examining claims related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, LRT reports.

The treaty, signed last December in The Hague, creates the International Commission for the Examination of Claims for Compensation in Ukraine. All 98 lawmakers present on Thursday voted in favour of ratification.

The convention defines the commission’s mandate, legal status, organisational structure, and procedures for processing claims. According to Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry, the body will function as an administrative institution to review, assess, and rule on requests for compensation stemming from “illegal actions by the Russian Federation under international law in or against Ukraine.”

Where claims are substantiated, the commission will determine the amount of compensation payable. Its headquarters will be located in one of the signatory states, with an additional office in Ukraine. The Netherlands has been proposed as the host country for the main seat.

Operations will be funded through mandatory annual contributions from member states and voluntary donations. The convention enters into force once 25 interested parties complete ratification and secure financing for the commission’s work. To date, 35 countries and the European Union have signed the agreement.

Lithuania’s foreign minister, Kęstutis Budrys, signed the convention on December 16, 2025.