Why Thousands of Ukrainians Displaced by Occupation Still Lack Housing Compensation.

Reparations Without a System: The Plight of Ukrainians Who Lost Homes in Occupied Territories

According to Novyny.live: Since 2014, thousands of Ukrainians have lost access to their homes in occupied territories, particularly in Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. To this day, these individuals lack a clear mechanism to receive compensation for their lost property. According to Yevhen Hilin, head of the civic organization 'City of Strength,' the reparations process has been ongoing for eight years, yet effective systems to guarantee reimbursement for losses are virtually non-existent.

A major obstacle is proving property ownership, as the required documents were often stored in archives within the occupied territories, complicating claims.

“The reparations process since 2014 is one where eight years have simply been archived,” noted Yevhen Hilin.

Compensation is currently available only to specific categories of people, further limiting options for many affected citizens. While applications can be submitted via the 'Diia' government portal, this does not resolve all the challenges claimants face.

“As of today, there are practically no compensation mechanisms that would guarantee Ukrainian citizens reimbursement for property left behind after the annexation of Crimea or the occupation of parts of Donbas,” emphasized Yevhen Hilin.

The Need for State Support

Despite these challenges, state support for veterans' housing in 2026 is set to continue systematically. However, the issue of compensation for those who lost homes in occupied territories remains unresolved and demands urgent government action. This situation requires immediate attention to safeguard citizens' rights and ensure restitution for their losses.

The struggle for reparations highlights the critical need to establish effective compensation mechanisms that address the needs of those affected by this complex crisis. The absence of a clear policy and functional compensation systems threatens the rights and well-being of thousands of people living in difficult circumstances due to the conflict. Government bodies must find solutions to these issues to deliver justice for all who have suffered from the consequences of occupation.