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.

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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

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. This determines strategy before any costs are committed.

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. Early action is often the difference between recovery and an unenforceable judgment.

Step 3 — Drafting and Filing the Statement of Claim. The statement of claim must meet strict formal requirements under the Commercial Procedure Code of Ukraine. 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 required to maintain the case effectively.

Step 5 — Appeal and Cassation. Decisions may be challenged before the appellate court and, on questions of law, before the Supreme Court of Ukraine. We represent clients at all stages and advise on the merits and risks of appeal.

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.

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Who We Work With

International law firms seeking local counsel to manage Ukrainian court proceedings as part of a cross-border dispute strategy
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Foreign creditors pursuing debt recovery from Ukrainian companies through litigation
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Foreign companies that have been sued in Ukrainian courts and need defense representation
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Businesses involved in corporate disputes — shareholder conflicts, governance disputes, and regulatory challenges
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Companies with parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions requiring coordinated Ukrainian representation
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Key Experts

Anna Tsirat

Doctor of Laws, expert in international contracts, commercial litigation, and cross-border enforcement

Gennadii Tsirat

Doctor of Laws, expert in international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution

Kateryna Tsirat

Specialist in commercial disputes and enforcement involving international contracts

Dmytro Salatiuk

Expert in 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. We advise on realistic timelines at the outset.

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. We apply for interim measures as a standard part of our approach in debt recovery cases.

Can a Ukrainian court judgment be enforced abroad?

Yes, depending on applicable international treaties or the principle of reciprocity in the target jurisdiction. We advise on enforcement prospects in specific countries and coordinate with foreign counsel where needed.

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 of Ukraine 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. We have practical experience managing cases under current conditions.

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.

📧 [email protected] 📞 +38 (093) 002-82-50

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