The Danube Commission has endorsed Ukraine’s initiative to create a Register of Damage from Russian aggression on the Lower Danube and to systematically collect data on harm that hinders safe and free navigation.
The resolution, titled “On Violations of the Belgrade Convention Caused by the Military Actions of the Russian Federation,” was supported by a majority of member states, including Austria, Germany, Croatia, Moldova, Romania, and Slovakia.
“This resolution is a key decision that strengthens international support for Ukraine, ensures the documentation of damages, and restores justice for Danube ports targeted by Russian aggression. We thank our international partners for their solidarity and support in passing this decision, as well as the Ukrainian delegation for their persistent work,” said Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksii Kuleba.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian Danube ports have destroyed port infrastructure, damaged vessels and cargo, and created risks for international logistics and navigation safety on the river. Establishing the Register is a crucial step to record these losses and build an international legal basis to hold the aggressor accountable.
“This is an important strategic step that will strengthen support for Ukraine and Russia’s accountability for the damage caused during its aggression. Following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s directives, Ukrainian diplomacy continues systematically building the architecture for Russia’s responsibility for its crimes and damage. Justice is an integral part of lasting peace. We are grateful to all partners who supported this step,” emphasized Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The Commission’s session began with a moment of silence as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine and in honor of those killed by Russian aggression. The resolution aligns with the Council of Europe’s approaches for a Damage Register, enabling the recording of harm caused by Russia according to uniform international standards. The Danube Commission also condemned Russia’s military actions as violations of the core principles of the Belgrade Convention.
From now on, the Danube Commission Secretariat will:
- Maintain the Damage Register until the end of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine;
- Publish and regularly update consolidated information on the Commission’s official website;
- Submit data to the Council of Europe and the European Union;
- Report to the Commission on Russian military actions that hinder navigation.
Since the start of the full-scale aggression, Russia was first suspended from membership in the Danube Commission and then effectively expelled, thanks to Ukraine’s delegation. It is worth noting that Ukraine held the highest political position as Chair of the Commission from 2021–2024. Today’s decision is another step in isolating the aggressor and upholding international law, continuing to strengthen Russia’s accountability within the Commission framework.
