Dispute Resolution in Ukraine
Your Ukrainian counterparty stopped paying. The contract is clear, the invoices are outstanding, and emails go unanswered. Or you won an arbitration — and now need to actually recover the money from assets in Ukraine. Or you are a foreign law firm that needs a reliable Ukrainian team to handle the local procedural steps without disrupting your client relationship.
This is exactly the work we do — from the first demand letter to the last transferred payment.
Why Disputes Involving Ukraine Are Different
Ukraine is not a standard jurisdiction for international dispute resolution. Three factors distinguish it from most cross-border matters:
Currency controls affect how assets are held and how enforcement proceeds — and must be factored into strategy from day one, not discovered at the enforcement stage.
A court system that kept operating. Ukrainian commercial courts have continued to function throughout the ongoing conflict, including through remote hearings and electronic filing. Delays exist, but proceedings proceed.
Asset structures that require local knowledge. Debtors in Ukraine frequently hold assets through structures that are not visible from abroad. Effective enforcement requires knowing where to look — and acting before assets move.
Our Dispute Resolution Practice
International Commercial Arbitration
Representation in ICC, SCC, LCIA, VIAC, and ICAC proceedings. We act as local counsel for international firms or as lead counsel. Pre-arbitration analysis, arbitration clause advice, interim measures, oral hearings, and enforcement.
Commercial Litigation in Ukraine
Representation before Ukrainian economic courts for debt recovery, corporate disputes, and regulatory challenges. We bridge the gap between international legal teams and Ukrainian procedural requirements.
Cross-Border Debt Recovery
Coordinated recovery strategies when the debtor or its assets are located in Ukraine or abroad. Asset tracing, interim measures, multi-jurisdiction coordination, and enforcement.
Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
Recognition and enforcement of ICC, SCC, LCIA, VIAC, and other awards under the 1958 New York Convention. We represent creditors and debtors with grounds to challenge recognition.
Enforcement of Foreign Court Judgments
Recognition of foreign court decisions through exequatur proceedings, based on bilateral treaties or the principle of reciprocity. We assess the applicable basis before filing.
Enforcement of ICAC Awards Abroad
Coordination of ICAC award enforcement in foreign jurisdictions under the New York Convention. We prepare documentation, engage local counsel, and manage the process to actual recovery.
How We Start
We know that the first question is not “what do your services include” — it is “is this worth pursuing, and where do we begin.”
Step 1 — Conflict check. Same day.
Step 2 — Preliminary assessment. We review your contract, the dispute, and the debtor’s asset position. 24–48 hours.
Step 3 — Strategy call. You speak directly with the partner who will handle your matter — not a business development team.
If your situation is urgent — asset dissipation risk, an imminent deadline, or a debtor who has gone silent — tell us. We prioritize interim measures and same-day responses where the facts require it.
Navigate by Situation
Not sure which practice applies? Start here:
Key Experts
Doctor of Laws — international commercial arbitration, cross-border enforcement, international contracts
Doctor of Laws — international commercial arbitration, dispute resolution
Commercial disputes and enforcement involving international contracts
Litigation and enforcement in Ukraine
FAQ
Can a foreign company bring a claim before Ukrainian courts?
Yes. Foreign companies have the same procedural rights as Ukrainian companies. All documents must be in Ukrainian; foreign-language evidence requires certified translation.
Can foreign arbitral awards be enforced in Ukraine?
Yes. Ukraine recognizes and enforces foreign arbitral awards under the 1958 New York Convention. Applications are filed with the Kyiv Court of Appeal. Recognition typically takes two to six months.
Can foreign court judgments be enforced in Ukraine?
Yes, subject to the existence of a bilateral treaty or the principle of reciprocity. We assess the applicable basis before filing.
How quickly can assets be frozen in Ukraine?
Ukrainian courts can grant asset-freezing orders simultaneously with, or before, the filing of a claim or recognition application. In urgent cases, we act on the same day we receive instructions.
Do I need to come to Ukraine for the proceedings?
No. We represent clients through a power of attorney. Physical presence is not required for any stage of the proceedings.
Is the Ukrainian judicial system functioning during the war?
Yes. Ukrainian commercial courts have operated continuously throughout the conflict, with remote hearings and electronic filing.
Can disputes involving Ukrainian companies be resolved through international arbitration?
Yes. Ukrainian companies regularly include ICC, SCC, LCIA, VIAC, or ICAC clauses in international contracts. We advise on clause selection and represent parties in proceedings.
Involved in a dispute involving Ukraine?
Contact us for a same-day conflict check and a preliminary assessment of your dispute, enforcement prospects, or asset recovery strategy.
