Expert Comment

Calls from the Ukrainian President Zelensky for seized Russian assets to be used in the efforts to rebuild Ukraine have been met with mixed reactions. There is no doubt that once the war is over Ukraine will be in need of serious financial input for programmes such as rebuilding infrastructure, supporting return of refugees, or offering psycho-social support to traumatised victims of violence.

However, the question of who is responsible for rebuilding a war-torn country is complex, and the use of Russian assets would suggest that we are talking about a reparations programme.

Zelensky hinted at such in his statements about Russian responsibility for the destruction of his country. Too often, the sustained and long-term financing required for post war reconstruction is not forthcoming, and the international community needs to be careful that geopolitics and short-termism do not get in the way of supporting Ukrainians to embark upon reconstruction and repair.