The Solution

Ukraine must find an efficient way to document and process millions of home rebuilding claims, including those from claimants who may not have a property deed or other formal proof of occupancy.

Ukraine should adopt a mass claims property restitution process, which allows for batch processing of claims, as opposed to incredibly time-consuming one-by-one adjudication. It should also allow claimants to prove their identity and residency claims using any evidence available, from audio/video testimonials to utility bills, ride-sharing history, neighbourhood knowledge, and photos documenting damage to their homes. The use of alternative evidence in mass claims is not new, and has significant precedent in previous conflicts.

Employing a mass claims process and being flexible regarding the kind of evidence accepted could accelerate restitution by many years if not decades, and also save hundreds of millions of dollars in administrative expenses.