Commercial Litigation in Ukraine
A commercial dispute in Ukraine rarely resolves itself. Whether you are pursuing a debt, defending against a claim, or dealing with a corporate conflict, the outcome depends on how your case is built from day one — before the first document is filed.
We represent international businesses and foreign law firms in Ukrainian commercial courts with a single focus: enforceable results.
Legal Framework: Commercial Courts in Ukraine
Commercial disputes in Ukraine are resolved through the system of economic courts — specialized courts that handle disputes between businesses. The system operates in three instances: courts of first instance, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court of Ukraine.
For foreign companies, local counsel is not optional — it is the precondition for effective participation. Ukrainian commercial procedure operates entirely in Ukrainian, is document-intensive, and requires strict compliance with formal requirements at every stage. We bridge the gap between international legal teams and Ukrainian procedural reality.
Our Services in Commercial Litigation
We provide full-cycle litigation support in Ukrainian commercial courts — from pre-litigation assessment to post-judgment enforcement.
Representing Creditors and Claimants
- Pre-litigation assessment of the claim, legal risks, and debtor asset availability
- Drafting and filing statements of claim in Ukrainian commercial courts
- Calculation of all recoverable amounts: principal debt, penalties, inflation losses, and 3% annual interest
- Applications for interim measures: asset freezing and injunctive relief before judgment
- Representation at all court hearings — first instance, appellate, and Supreme Court
- Post-judgment enforcement: coordination with enforcement officers to actual recovery
Defending Against Claims
- Analysis of the claim and identification of procedural and substantive grounds for defense
- Preparation of statements of defense and counter-claims
- Challenging evidence admissibility and claim calculations
- Representing defendants in all court instances
Corporate and Regulatory Disputes
- Shareholder disputes, including removal or exclusion of shareholders and challenges to shareholders’ meeting decisions
- Disputes with banks, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies
- Customs and tax litigation
Local Counsel for International Firms
- Ukrainian procedural execution as part of cross-border dispute strategies
- Coordination with international legal teams without disrupting client relationships
- Ukrainian law opinions and expert reports for foreign proceedings
- Full remote representation — physical presence in Ukraine not required
How Commercial Litigation Works in Ukraine: Step by Step
Step 1 — Pre-Litigation Assessment. We analyze the contract, the factual background, and the available evidence to assess the strength of the claim or defense, realistic recovery prospects, and the debtor’s asset position.
Step 2 — Interim Measures. Where the debtor may move or conceal assets, we apply for interim measures — asset freezing orders, prohibitions on property disposal — simultaneously with or immediately before filing the claim.
Step 3 — Drafting and Filing the Statement of Claim. The statement of claim must meet strict formal requirements under the Commercial Procedure Code. We prepare the claim, calculate all recoverable amounts, compile the evidentiary package, and file through the electronic court system.
Step 4 — First Instance Proceedings. We represent the client at hearings before the economic court, manage the evidentiary record, respond to the opposing party’s submissions, and file all procedural motions.
Step 5 — Appeal and Cassation. Decisions may be challenged before the appellate court and, on questions of law, before the Supreme Court of Ukraine.
Step 6 — Enforcement of the Judgment. Obtaining a judgment is not the end — it must be enforced. We obtain the writ of execution, coordinate with enforcement officers, monitor enforcement actions, and challenge unlawful inaction where necessary.
Who We Work With
We act for creditors, defendants, and international law firms in commercial litigation proceedings in Ukrainian courts.
Typical situations:
- International law firms seeking local counsel to manage Ukrainian court proceedings as part of a cross-border dispute strategy
- Foreign creditors pursuing debt recovery from Ukrainian companies through litigation
- Foreign companies that have been sued in Ukrainian courts and need defense representation
- Businesses involved in corporate disputes — shareholder conflicts, governance disputes, and regulatory challenges
- Companies with parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions requiring coordinated Ukrainian representation
Key Experts
Doctor of Laws — international contracts, commercial litigation, cross-border enforcement
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 sue a Ukrainian company in Ukrainian courts?
Yes. Foreign companies have the same procedural rights as Ukrainian companies and may file claims before Ukrainian commercial courts. All documents must be in Ukrainian; foreign-language evidence requires certified translation.
How long does commercial litigation in Ukraine take?
First instance proceedings typically take three to nine months, depending on complexity and the court’s caseload. Appeals add a further two to six months.
Can interim measures be obtained before the trial ends?
Yes. Ukrainian procedural law allows asset freezing and injunctive relief to be granted at any stage of proceedings, including simultaneously with the filing of the claim.
Can a Ukrainian court judgment be enforced abroad?
Yes, depending on applicable international treaties or the principle of reciprocity in the target jurisdiction.
Can a court decision in Ukraine be appealed?
Yes. Decisions of the economic courts may be appealed before the appellate court on questions of fact and law, and further challenged before the Supreme Court on questions of law.
Does Ukrainian litigation work during wartime conditions?
Yes. Ukrainian commercial courts have continued to operate throughout the conflict, with remote hearings and digital filing available.
Related practices
Ready to proceed with your commercial dispute in Ukraine?
We will assess your position and advise on the most effective path to resolution and enforcement.
