📘 This guide explains how to recognize and enforce international arbitral awards in Ukraine — from filing the application to execution proceedings. It’s based on practical experience and current Ukrainian legislation.
1. Why Enforcement Matters
Enforcement of an international arbitral award in Ukraine enables a creditor to:
• Obtain official court permission (exequatur)
• Initiate execution proceedings via state or private bailiffs
• Recover the awarded funds or assets
Jurvneshservice lawyers provide full-cycle legal support to creditors and debtors in this process.
2. Legal Grounds for Enforcement
Foreign arbitral awards are recognized and enforced in Ukraine under:
• The 1958 New York Convention
• The Law of Ukraine on International Commercial Arbitration
• The Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine
Ukrainian courts assess whether the award meets the formal requirements and whether any refusal grounds exist.
3. Step-by-Step Procedure for Recognition and Enforcement
A. Document Preparation
Jurvneshservice prepares and files:
• A notarized Ukrainian translation of the award and arbitration agreement
• A legalized (apostilled or consularized) copy of the arbitral award
• A petition for recognition and enforcement
📍 The application is submitted to the Court of Appeal of Kyiv.
B. Objections from the Debtor
The debtor has the right to object. Grounds include:
• Invalid arbitration clause
• Lack of notice
• Procedural irregularities
• Arbitrators acting beyond authority
⚠️ The court may also independently assess non-arbitrability and public policy violations, even if not raised by the debtor.
C. Court Hearing and Decision
Jurvneshservice lawyers represent the creditor at each stage, including:
• Preparing responses to objections
• Presenting oral and written arguments
• Ensuring no refusal grounds are accepted
📜 If successful, the court issues a ruling recognizing and permitting enforcement.
4. Interim Measures to Secure Assets
During the enforcement case, Jurvneshservice may request interim measures, such as:
• Freezing debtor’s assets
• Blocking financial transactions
✅ Interim relief is effective if the creditor deposits funds or identifies assets in Ukraine.
5. Appealing the Court’s Ruling
The first instance decision (Kyiv Court of Appeal) can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Ukraine:
• The appeal must be filed within a set period
• It is reviewed by a panel of three judges
• The Supreme Court decision is final
6. Enforcement Stage
Once recognition is granted, Jurvneshservice proceeds to:
• Obtain a writ of execution
• Select a state or private bailiff
• Initiate formal enforcement with all required documents
📝 Jurvneshservice lawyers manage communications with the executor and monitor compliance, including appeals or settlements if necessary.
7. Enforcement of Ukrainian Arbitral Awards
A. Enforcement in Ukraine
Awards from ICAC and IAC (UCCI) against Ukrainian residents also require a court ruling for enforcement.
Governed by Art. 35–36 of the Arbitration Law and Art. 482 of the CPC
The New York Convention does not apply
Jurvneshservice provides full support in these proceedings.
B. Enforcement Abroad
If a Ukrainian arbitration award must be enforced abroad, Jurvneshservice:
• Coordinates with trusted foreign lawyers
• Prepares documentation and legal opinions
• Supports Ukrainian creditors throughout cross-border proceedings
🌍 Jurvneshservice has enforcement experience in Serbia, Belgium, Russia, Cyprus, and the United States.
8. Voluntary Execution of Arbitral Awards in Ukraine
If the debtor voluntarily wishes to enforce the arbitral award:
• The debtor must apply to the court for recognition and permission
• The court reviews the application in 10 days, without a full hearing
Jurvneshservice ensures fast and compliant processing
🚫 Recognition may still be refused if the dispute is non-arbitrable or the award violates Ukrainian public order.
9. Key Experts
Gennady Tsirat, Doctor of Law
📌 Specialist in recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards
📍 Successfully enforced awards from ICC, ICAC, and Austrian arbitral institutions
📧 g.tsirat@jvs.law | 📞 +38 (067) 209-56-29
Ganna Tsirat, Doctor of Law
📌 Represented Altum Air, Inc. in enforcement against Ukrainian airline WindRose
📧 a.tsirat@jvs.law | 📞 +38 (067) 465-77-73
10. Need Help with Enforcement?
Jurvneshservice assists both foreign and Ukrainian clients in:
• Preparing and filing enforcement applications
• Contesting or defending objections
• Managing cross-border execution
📩 Contact us today for professional support:
✉ Email: kyiv@jvs.law
📞 Phone: +38 (067) 465-77-73
