Ukrainians who have lost housing due to the war now have a better chance of receiving compensation. The Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 11161, which simplifies the procedure for obtaining compensation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from temporarily occupied territories and areas of active hostilities. This step is crucial for thousands of displaced people.
What does the law provide for?
The new rules are aimed at removing bureaucratic obstacles that previously complicated the process of receiving compensation. The main provisions of the law include:
- Abolition of mandatory photo and video documentation. Victims no longer need to document the condition of destroyed housing in occupied territories.
- Abolition of commission visits. Considering the danger for experts, there is no longer a need for physical inspection of the property.
- Automatic recognition as destroyed. All housing in occupied territories or areas of active hostilities is equated to completely destroyed.
How does this work?
The bill allows displaced persons to receive compensation for the housing they lost, even if it is physically impossible to prove the destruction. Lawyer Serhiy Lyshenko emphasized:
“Previously, residents of towns like Orikhiv in Zaporizhia Oblast, which are constantly under shelling, could not receive compensation due to lack of access to property. Now this problem is solved.”
Zaporizhia Oblast, where a significant part of the territory is under enemy attacks, is one of the key regions that will benefit from this law.
Why is this important?
The passage of this law has a profound social and economic impact:
- Support for Ukrainians. Resettlers will receive financial assistance for a fresh start, reducing uncertainty in their lives.
- Preventing emigration abroad. The law motivates people to stay in Ukraine-controlled territory rather than seeking a better life abroad or, worse, returning to areas under occupier control.
- Incentive for reconstruction. Compensation will encourage people to invest in rebuilding their homes and regional infrastructure.
A Spoonful of Tar
To receive compensation, victims must meet one important condition — formally relinquish ownership rights to the destroyed property in favor of the state. This decision will help avoid double registration of property rights in the future.
This has already sparked controversy. Why does the state need destroyed housing in occupied territories? Some see this bill as confirmation that the authorities intend to relinquish control of the occupied territories in the future, which has some logical explanations. After de-occupation, there would be an interest in repatriating people to liberated areas. By obtaining their refusal of housing, the state essentially has a guarantee that residents will not return there. Some analysts see this as preparation for establishing a demilitarized zone that must ensure the complete absence of Ukrainians.
Restrictions for Foreign Resettlers
Ukrainians residing abroad will not be eligible for compensation for lost housing in conflict zones or occupied territories. This restriction is explained by the fact that the assistance is aimed at supporting those who remain in Ukraine and contribute to its recovery.
Future Perspectives
Adoption of law No. 11161 is just the first step. The government aims to expand compensation programs and create new mechanisms to support internally displaced persons. Ukraine continues to adapt its legislation to the challenges of war, providing its citizens with the necessary support.
This law demonstrates the country’s commitment to justice and restoration, even in the most difficult times. Stay updated on the news to be informed about important changes.
