~ 7 min read · Updated July 2026
This guide explains how international commercial arbitration works in Ukraine, particularly at the International Commercial Arbitration Court (ICAC) at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Two numbers frame everything below: 61% of ICAC cases finish within three months — and a party that misses the 3-month set-aside window loses its challenge to the award forever. The guide is written for foreign counsel and in-house lawyers who need the procedures, costs and risks of Ukraine-related arbitration in practical terms.
Scope of JVS Law Arbitration Legal Services
JVS Law (Jurvneshservice) offers end-to-end legal support in international commercial arbitration:
- Legal assessment of the dispute and partiesʼ positions;
- Collecting evidence and preparing legal arguments;
- Drafting and submitting the request for arbitration to the designated arbitral institution;
- Nomination of arbitrators and coordination of the Procedural Schedule;
- Preparation of responses, rejoinders, procedural petitions and expert opinions;
- Participation in oral hearings and examination of witnesses and experts;
- Post-award review (correction, clarification, additional award);
- Assistance in set-aside and enforcement procedures in state courts.
Dispute Resolution at ICAC
- 453 new cases accepted and 440 disputes considered;
- 61% resolved within 3 months;
- 57% of arbitrators are non-Ukrainians;
- 69.3% of the disputed contracts were concluded in 2022–2024 — a marker of continued trust in the institution during the war;
- 173 cases governed by Ukrainian law.
Procedure:
- Filing a written claim plus a $600 registration fee;
- Arbitration fee depends on the claim size and the number of arbitrators;
- Hearings conducted under the ICAC Rules (flexible, streamlined);
- Arbitrators selected from the ICAC List (Ukrainians or foreigners);
- The award is final and binding.
We recommend selecting a panel of three arbitrators to ensure neutrality and confidence in complex cases.
Choosing the Venue: ICAC, Ad Hoc or a Foreign Institution
For a dispute with a Ukrainian counterparty, the arbitration clause usually comes down to three options — and the right choice depends on the contract value, the counterparty and where the assets are:
| Criterion | ICAC (Kyiv) | Ad hoc (UNCITRAL) | Foreign institution (SCC, VIAC, LCIA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Full institutional administration under the ICAC Rules | Parties and the tribunal administer the case themselves | Full institutional administration |
| Cost level | Moderate; fixed fee scale with a public calculator | No institutional fee, but a higher coordination burden on the parties | Generally the highest fee scales |
| Speed | 61% of cases resolved within 3 months (2024) | Depends entirely on the partiesʼ cooperation | Varies; often longer for comparable claims |
| Recognition in Ukraine | Streamlined — the seat is in Ukraine | Via the New York Convention 1958 if seated abroad | Via the New York Convention 1958 |
There is no universally right answer. We draft and review arbitration clauses as part of our contract work — the clause is cheapest to fix before signing.
Interim Measures: Options and Risks
While international arbitration allows for interim relief, enforceability is often problematic:
- Emergency arbitrator: useful but limited enforceability;
- Tribunal measures: available only post-constitution (delayed);
- Court measures: the most effective and enforceable option.
We assist clients in choosing the correct venue and coordinating with local counsel where assets are located.
Post-Award Remedies
After the award is rendered:
- Error correction: arithmetic and typographical errors are correctable within 30 days upon request;
- Additional award: issued for omitted claims if requested timely;
- Clarifications: arbitrators may clarify ambiguities upon request.
Our lawyers handle communication and filings during the post-award window to preserve clientsʼ rights. Where the award must be enforced outside Ukraine, see our practice on the enforcement of ICAC awards abroad.
Setting Aside ICAC Awards in Ukraine
Grounds for set-aside are listed in Art. 34 of the Law on International Commercial Arbitration and Art. 459 of the Civil Procedure Code. They include:
Party-established grounds:
- Incapacity of a party or invalid arbitration agreement;
- Improper notice or inability to present a case;
- Decision beyond the scope of the arbitration agreement;
- Tribunal composition or procedure not compliant with the agreement or the law.
Court-established grounds:
- Non-arbitrable dispute under Ukrainian law;
- The award contradicts Ukrainian public policy.
Notable Experience
Gennadii Tsirat (Doctor of Law)
International arbitration and cross-border litigation; author of Ukrainian monographs on international commercial arbitration and international civil procedure.
- Represented clients in recognition of awards in Austria, Cyprus, Belgium, Russia;
- Expert in recognition and enforcement procedures;
- Provided legal opinions on arbitrability and public policy.
Anna Tsirat (Doctor of Law)
Aviation finance and international dispute resolution; expert witness on Ukrainian law before the PCA (The Hague) and the High Court (London).
- Represented claimants and defendants in different arbitration institutions, including ICAC;
- Expert in recognition and enforcement procedures outside of Ukraine;
- Provided expert opinions in proceedings at the PCA (The Hague) and the SCC (Stockholm).
FAQ
How long does ICAC arbitration take?
In 2024, 61% of ICAC disputes were resolved within 3 months. Complex cases with a three-member tribunal may take longer, but ICAC remains one of the faster institutional venues for Ukraine-related disputes.
What does it cost to start ICAC arbitration?
Filing requires a written claim and a $600 registration fee. The arbitration fee is calculated from the amount in dispute and the number of arbitrators — use the official ICAC calculator for an estimate.
Can a foreign party appoint a foreign arbitrator?
Yes. Arbitrators are selected from the ICAC List, which includes both Ukrainian and foreign professionals — in 2024, 57% of acting arbitrators were non-Ukrainians.
Can an ICAC award be appealed?
No. The award is final and binding. The only recourse is a set-aside application on the limited grounds of Art. 34 of the Law on International Commercial Arbitration, filed with the Kyiv Court of Appeal within 3 months.
Are interim measures available in Ukraine-related arbitration?
Yes — through an emergency arbitrator, the tribunal once constituted, or state courts. In practice, court-ordered measures at the place where assets are located are the most enforceable option.
Questions on Ukraine-Related Arbitration?
Describe your matter — we respond within one business day. All inquiries are confidential.
Email: kyiv@jvs.law · Phone: +38 (093) 002-82-50