How to get compensation for the death of a close family member due to the war with the russian federation

Death of a loved one due to armed aggression is not only a family tragedy — it is damage caused by the aggressor state, which is subject to compensation. Ukrainian legislation is already forming mechanisms for recording losses, submitting claims, and further recovery of compensation through reparations, confiscated russian assets, and international instruments. The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine emphasizes in its explanations: proper documentation of damage today is the key to real payments in the future.

Who is entitled to compensation for a deceased relative?

The right to compensation arises for close family members of the deceased. The Civil Code of Ukraine in Article 1166 establishes the general principle: “Property damage caused by unlawful decisions, actions, or omissions shall be compensated in full by the person who caused it.” In the context of war, the liable subject is the aggressor state.

Close family members include:

• husband or wife;
• parents;
• children, including adopted children;
• persons who were financially dependent on the deceased.

It is important to distinguish between compensation for the death of a servicemember under social protection laws and compensation for damage caused by russian aggression. These are different legal mechanisms. Social assistance is paid by the Ukrainian state. Compensation for damage is subject to future recovery from the aggressor country, its assets, and reparation funds.

The Ministry of Finance explains that inclusion of information in relevant state registers and proper documentation of death resulting from hostilities, missile strikes, or occupation is crucial for future payments. Without this, the evidentiary basis will be incomplete.

How to properly submit a compensation claim?

Recording damage is a legal procedure that includes several stages. Applications are submitted through designated state mechanisms. Currently, the following tools are available:

1. Submitting information via the Diia application

Through the digital service, it is possible to record the fact of loss. The relevant section requires information about the deceased, date, circumstances of death, and available documents. This information is transferred to state authorities to form damage registers.

2. Contacting law enforcement authorities

Opening a criminal proceeding regarding the death is mandatory. Investigators qualify the incident under articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine related to war crimes. A resolution recognizing a person as a victim is a key piece of evidence.

3. Documentation through international mechanisms

An international Register of Damage caused by the aggression of russia against Ukraine has been established. Submitting an application to this register creates the foundation for a future compensation mechanism.

The term “compensation for damage” refers to monetary or other reimbursement aimed at covering material losses, moral damage, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support. These categories must be clearly formulated in the application.

Legal mistakes at the initial submission stage often lead to the loss of part of the claims. Incomplete data, missing medical documents, or incorrect qualification of circumstances may reduce the amount of future compensation.

What documents are required to obtain compensation?

The list of documents depends on the specific situation, but the standard package includes:

• death certificate;
• documents confirming family relations;
• extract from the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations (URPI) confirming the opened criminal proceeding;
• certificate stating the cause of death;
• documents confirming funeral expenses;
• proof of financial dependency (if applicable).

In cases of death in temporarily occupied territories, the procedure becomes more complicated. Establishing the fact of death through court proceedings is required. Such cases are considered by Ukrainian courts under separate proceedings.

Moral damage should also be documented separately. Court practice recognizes the right of close relatives to monetary compensation for emotional suffering. The amount is determined depending on expenses incurred, circumstances of death, and duration of cohabitation.

When to expect payments: realities and forecasts

The Ministry of Finance emphasizes that the formation of a compensation mechanism is a phased process. First, a register of applications is created. Next comes the funding of the compensation pool through confiscated assets of the aggressor state, international support, and future reparations.

Actual payments will become possible after the launch of a full compensation fund. The timeline depends on:

• international decisions regarding frozen russian assets;
• adoption of a special law regulating payment procedures;
• operation of the international compensation mechanism.

Therefore, submitting an application today does not guarantee immediate payment but establishes the applicant’s legal position. No application means no registration — and no grounds for compensation in the future.

Acting now is important

The war continues. Compensation mechanisms are being formed in parallel with international negotiations. Families who have timely submitted applications, obtained victim status, and formed an evidentiary base will be in a priority position when the compensation fund is launched.

Legal support allows you to:

• properly qualify the damage;
• claim the maximum scope of compensation;
• avoid procedural mistakes;
• prepare materials for national and international proceedings.

The law firm “Prikhodko & Partners” provides comprehensive case analysis, preparation of applications, court representation, and support within international compensation mechanisms.

Loss cannot be emotionally compensated. However, financial compensation is an instrument of justice that must be implemented.

Contact us to calculate the cost of services and receive a preliminary legal assessment of your situation. A clear strategy today determines the amount of compensation tomorrow.