Feb 23, 2026, 2:21 p.mFeb 23, 2026, 2:21 p.m
Ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine insists on reparations for war damage and casualties.
“Peace without consequences for the aggressor represents an invitation to repeat the crime in different corners of the world,” said the head of the Presidential Chancellery, Kyrylo Budanov, in a speech at a conference (“Justice Conference”) in Kiev. Otherwise it would be an example for all authoritarian governments: “Invade, kill, destroy, and nothing will happen to you.”
Kyiv regularly organizes such conferences to maintain international support for the country.
Budanov calls for the development of concrete financial instruments for compensation payments.Image: imago
Budanov called for the development of concrete financial mechanisms for compensation payments. “Any legal solution without a financial dimension does not create trust. And without trust there will be no stability,” he said. Kiev had estimated the material damage caused so far at the equivalent of more than 400 billion euros.
Difficult peace talks
Kiev’s efforts are focused on the peace talks under US mediation. “It is no secret that the negotiations are not going smoothly,” said Budanov. The moment is approaching “when all sides must make a final decision – to continue this war or to move to peace.”
Residents carry their belongings from their apartments after a Russian drone strike damaged residential buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine February 22, 2026.Image: AP
According to Budanov, the talks must also serve to prevent a repeat of the “bloody Russian aggression”. In addition, there was a reminder of the Ukrainian children “kidnapped” by Russia. There have been repeated repatriations in recent years. “Every child ultimately has to return home,” he emphasized.
Budanov is a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the three rounds of negotiations so far in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. This Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine. (sda/dpa)