As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has suffered billions of hryvnias in losses from destroyed business assets, real estate, and infrastructure. To document these damages, the state has established the Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property.
This register is the first step toward obtaining compensation. If you’re an entrepreneur or a company manager, this article will help you understand what actions to take.

 

What is the Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property?

It is a state electronic database that records properties damaged or destroyed due to the war.
According to the relevant law, the State Register of Property Damaged and Destroyed Due to Hostilities, Terrorist Acts, and Sabotage Caused by the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property) is a unified state information and communication system. It is intended for collecting, accumulating, recording, processing, storing, and protecting information (documents) about movable and immovable property (hereinafter — property) that was damaged or destroyed due to hostilities, terrorist acts, and sabotage caused by Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine; persons whose property was damaged or destroyed; material losses (including damages) caused by such destruction; compensation for such losses; funding for the restoration of damaged and destroyed property; and other information (documents) defined by the law.

 

Who is the Register for and what is its purpose?

The goal of the Register is to:

• Record the inflicted damages;
• Confirm the right to future compensation;
• Provide a legal basis for payments from the state budget or international funds.

The Register applies to:

• Private individuals who have lost their homes;
• Entrepreneurs and legal entities that have suffered losses (assets, equipment, vehicles, or premises);
• Local governments if infrastructure objects were affected.

How does the Register work?

The Register operates in electronic form. Information about damaged or destroyed property can be submitted by property owners, users, or asset holders.
Data from the application is entered into the system after verification. The Register is being formed gradually and serves as the primary source for decisions on compensation.

 

How does the Register support compensation?

• You cannot apply for compensation without being listed in the Register;
• An entry in the Register confirms the fact of damage;
• The Register is a key source for forming state or international compensation programs;
• The data will later be used as evidence in courts, insurance claims, or international recovery mechanisms.

 

What do you need to submit an application to the Register?

For legal entities and sole proprietors (FOP):

Prepare the following documents:

• Ownership documents (contract, extract from the State Register of Property Rights, handover certificate, etc.);
• Photo or video documentation of the damage;
• Inspection report or technical expert conclusion (if available);
• Power of attorney (if submitted by a representative).

Submit your application:

• Through a Center for Administrative Services (CNAP);
• Through a notary;
• (For individuals — also via the Diia app).

Confirm your application:

• A registration number in the Register will be issued.

 

When is compensation expected?

Currently, the actual compensation mechanism has not yet been launched, but the Register is a mandatory preliminary step.
Compensation may come from the state budget, international donor funds (e.g., the EU or World Bank), or the future International Compensation Mechanism — including the Damage Register in The Hague and confiscated Russian assets.

Important: The first mechanisms are expected to launch after the adoption of relevant by-laws and completion of damage accounting.

 

Can you apply on your own?

Yes, but with some conditions:

• Individuals can apply through the Diia app;
• Legal entities must apply through CNAP or a notary using an electronic signature.

Accurate formulation of the circumstances, a complete evidence base, and legal precision are crucial. Errors or incomplete information may result in denial or delays in review.

If your business has lost property — do not delay. Submitting to the Register is a legal step that could ensure future compensation.