Obtain compensation for destroyed property, lost income, and damages — with a team that works both in Ukraine and in Europe
The war has taken homes, businesses, health, and loved ones from millions of Ukrainians. But the right to compensation exists — and the mechanisms for obtaining it are already working. This is one of the largest legal markets of our time, and it is only just unfolding.
AO Zakhyst is one of the first law firms to systematically handle compensation claims for war damages. Our unique advantage is a physical presence both in Ukraine (over 50 offices for gathering evidence and working with clients) and in six EU countries (for handling cases in international forums).
We do not promise results without analysis. We analyse your situation, honestly assess the chances, and take on only cases where we see a real prospect.
Who needs this
Owners of destroyed or damaged property
If your house, apartment, or other real estate was destroyed or damaged as a result of shelling, bombing, or occupation — you have the right to compensation.
Entrepreneurs and business owners
Destroyed production facilities, warehouses, equipment, and inventory. Lost contracts and income. Forced cessation of operations.
Farmers and landowners
Mined fields, destroyed crops, damaged agricultural machinery, occupied or unusable land.
Victims of physical and moral harm
Injuries, disability, loss of loved ones, forced displacement, psychological trauma — all of these are grounds for compensation.
Communities and organisations
Destroyed infrastructure, schools, hospitals, cultural sites. Local authorities and civil society organisations also have the right to compensation.
What compensation mechanisms exist
Council of Europe Register of Damages
In 2023 the Council of Europe established the Register of Damages caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. We help you properly document losses and submit a claim to the Register.
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
One of the main instruments for obtaining compensation for rights violations. The process is complex and lengthy, but compensation amounts can be significant.
Special Tribunal and UN mechanisms
The international community is working on establishing a special tribunal. We prepare our clients' cases so that they meet the requirements of any future body.
Seizure and confiscation of Russian assets abroad
Our presence in six EU countries allows us to participate directly in these processes on the ground.
National courts of EU countries
With offices in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, France, Netherlands, and Finland, we can file claims in the courts of each of these countries.
How we work
Free initial assessment
You describe your situation — we analyse it and honestly tell you whether there is a prospect for compensation, through which mechanism, and within what timeframe.
Gathering and documenting evidence
The most important stage. The quality of the evidence base determines the outcome of the entire case.
- Documentary evidence (photos, videos, inspection reports, certificates)
- Official acts from local authorities, emergency services, police
- Independent assessment of the amount of damage
- Witness testimonies
- Medical documents (in cases of physical or psychological harm)
- Electronic evidence (geolocation, correspondence, satellite images)
Damage assessment
Professional assessment is the basis of any claim. We work with certified assessors who have experience in evaluating war damages.
Preparing and filing the claim
We prepare the claim for a specific mechanism (or several in parallel) and submit it on your behalf. Each claim is prepared individually.
Representation and support
We represent your interests at all stages — from filing to enforcement of the decision. You always know what is happening through the eAdvokat app.
How much does it cost
We understand that people who have suffered from war often do not have free funds. That is why we offer a combined payment model.
Hourly rate
Depending on the complexity of the case and jurisdiction. Covers ongoing legal work regardless of the outcome.
Success fee
Of the amount obtained for you. Paid only upon a positive outcome.
For persons with limited financial means we consider each situation individually. In certain cases we may offer to work entirely on a success fee basis.
How long does it take
Council of Europe Register of Damages
Filing a claim — 2–4 weeks of preparation. Review timelines depend on the development of the mechanism.
ECHR
Preparing an application 1–3 months. Case review — from 2 to 5 years.
National courts of EU countries
From 6 months to 2 years depending on jurisdiction and complexity.
Arbitration mechanisms
From 1 to 3 years.
That is precisely why it is important to start now. The sooner evidence is recorded and applications are filed — the higher the chances of success.
Common mistakes when filing compensation claims
Insufficient evidence base
Photos on a phone are a start, but not enough. Official acts, expert assessments, and testimonies are needed.
Underestimating the amount of damages
Many people forget about lost profits, moral damages, relocation costs, and restoration expenses.
Filing through only one mechanism
There are several compensation mechanisms, and they do not exclude each other. Parallel filing increases chances.
Delaying the start of the process
Every month it becomes harder to gather evidence: buildings are demolished, documents are lost, witnesses move away.
Using template claims
Every case is unique. A template approach does not work in international compensation cases.
What documents are needed
Property documents
Certificate of ownership, sale and purchase agreement, extract from the real estate register, technical passport, cadastral documentation.
Evidence of damage/destruction
Photos and videos before and after, inspection report from emergency services or local administration, police reports, satellite images.
Documents for damage assessment
Assessor's report, receipts and invoices, accounting documents, tax returns.
Personal documents
Passport, tax identification number, registration certificates, displacement documents.
Medical documents (in cases of physical harm)
Medical certificates, hospital discharge summaries, disability commission conclusions, treatment and rehabilitation records.
Do not worry if you do not have some of the documents. Many of them can be restored or replaced with other evidence.
Why AO Zakhyst
Presence in both systems
We gather evidence in Ukraine (50+ offices), file claims in Europe (6 offices in EU countries). No other law firm has such coverage.
Systematic approach
We build a comprehensive strategy for each client, using all available mechanisms in parallel.
We track legal developments
International law on war compensation is developing right now. We monitor every new resolution and court decision.
Transparency
Through the eAdvokat app you see every step: which documents have been filed, what the case status is, what is planned next.
Honesty
We do not take on cases without a real prospect. If the chances are minimal — we will say so immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Are there statutes of limitations for compensation claims?
Different mechanisms have different deadlines. For the ECHR an application is filed within 4 months of exhausting domestic remedies. For the Register of Damages deadlines are currently flexible. But the main rule is: the sooner you start, the better.
Do I need to travel abroad to pursue the case?
No. We work remotely via the eAdvokat app, email, and video calls.
Can I file a claim if I am currently abroad?
Yes. Our offices in Berlin, Prague, Kraków, Paris, Amsterdam, and Helsinki handle exactly these cases. We will gather evidence in Ukraine through our network.
What amount of compensation can I expect?
It depends on the nature and scale of the damage. From a few thousand euros to millions. We will give a precise assessment after analysing your situation.
Can I file a collective claim?
Yes, in some cases a collective claim can be more effective and cheaper for each participant.
What if I have no property documents (everything was destroyed)?
Documents can be restored through registers, archives, and notaries. There are alternative ways of proving ownership: neighbour testimonies, satellite images, cadastral data.
Start now — do not wait
Every day without action is a day when evidence disappears and opportunities narrow. Book your first consultation and get a clear understanding: whether you have a prospect, which mechanism to use, and what the first step is.