Regional Desks

Russia and former USSR countries

The Russia and Former USSR Countries Desk at Cardinals is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to clients engaged in business across Russia and neighboring former USSR states. Our team comprises lawyers with in-depth knowledge of Russian law, many of whom have been educated in Russia, ensuring a thorough understanding of the unique regulatory and business environment.

Our services in the region include:

Advice on Russian Law and Law of Former USSR Countries

We provide expert insights on local legal frameworks in Russia and former USSR states, helping clients navigate regional laws with confidence.

Drafting Contracts under Local Law

Our team drafts enforceable contracts that meet the legal requirements of Russia and former USSR jurisdictions, tailored to clients’ business needs.

Corporate and Commercial Law

We support clients in all aspects of corporate and commercial law, from company formation to mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance.

Tax and Customs

Our tax and customs services ensure regulatory compliance and optimize tax efficiency for cross-border transactions in Russia and former USSR countries.

Regulatory Compliance and Regulatory Advisory

We advise clients on compliance with local and international regulations, including licensing, sanctions, and anti-corruption laws.

Litigation

Our litigation team provides skilled representation in local courts, focused on achieving favorable outcomes.

With experience across diverse sectors, our experts are well-positioned to guide clients through the complexities of regional legal landscapes and to facilitate smooth cross-border operations.

Our cases

Dispute against an airline

Representing Avia Group Nord LLC in court on a claim against Rossiya Airlines JSC for an order to vacate aircraft hangars at Pulkovo Airport. The claims were satisfied in full. (А56-10834/2013).

Dispute with Rosreestr

Representing a company in a dispute with Rosreestr against a refusal to register a building with changed parameters. As a result of measures, including litigation, the title was registered. (А56-9822/2014).

Exclusion of a minority shareholder

Representing shareholders of a company in a dispute over the expulsion of a minority shareholder from the company. The actions of a minority shareholder were classic greenmail. The claims were satisfied in full.

JV for purchase of freight containers

Advising Ultramar LLC and Phosagro LLC on a transaction involving the establishment of a JV, Smart Bulk Terminal, aimed at acquiring 2,500 containers. The total amount of the transaction was USD 6 million.

Defending a restaurateur from Ginza

Representing a participant of Ginza Holding in disputes over recovery of compensation for a lost share in the restaurant business. Claims in the amount of RUB 144,000,000 were satisfied in full.

Distribution agreement

Advising a Russian beverage manufacturer in connection with a dispute against an Irish company arising out of the distribution agreement. ICAC Rules. English law.

Business centre

Representing a major Russian developer in an arbitration against a Chinese contractor regarding construction of a business-centre in Kazakhstan. SCC Arbitration Rules. Russian law.

Residential building

Representing one of the largest Russian developers in a dispute with a French contractor. ICC Arbitration Rules. Russian law.

Power plant

Representing a Russian power generating company in a dispute with a Spanish contractor over construction of a heat and electricity generating power plant in Russia. ICC Arbitration Rules.

Storage facility construction

Representing a Russian company active in transportation and logistics of mineral fertilisers in a dispute with a Spanish contractor related to construction of a storage facility. SCC Arbitration Rules. Russian law.

Ukraine-Tatneft enforcement

Representing Ukraine against Tatneft in the proceedings on recognition and enforcement of an investment arbitration award in Russia in a dispute concerning expropriation of oil industry assets.

Russian Ministry of Justice

Advising the Russian Ministry of Justice in connection with the arbitrations on the basis of the Energy Charter Treaty initiated by the former shareholders of “Yukos” oil company. UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.

Oil field exploitation

Representing a Malaysian supplier in a dispute against a major Russian private oil company under SCC rules in connection to exploitation of an oil field in a post-Soviet republic.

Energy asset expropriation

Advising a client on obtaining third-party funding and possibility of bringing ICSID claim and its merits against a CIS state in relation to expropriation of assets and moral damages in the energy sphere.

Legal opinion for court proceedings

Preparation of a legal opinion on the application of English law in a Russian court case concerning the recovery of the costs of storage, maintenance and insurance of an aircraft engine. (Case No. А65-8036/2023).

Litigation with a contractor

Representing Ultramar LLC in a litigation dispute with a Russian contractor over the construction of a warehouse complex. (А40-743/2024).

Construction of the granulation system

Advising Ultramar LLC on a transaction with KÖPPERN GmbH&Co. KG for the construction of a compacting-granulation system in St. Petersburg. The contract is governed by Swedish substantive law. The transaction value is EUR 4.5.

Contact

Anton Garmoza

Partner, Head of International Arbitration, Construction Disputes and Investor-State Arbitration practices

Get preliminary advice on your situation

Desk's Insights

Barriers to Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in Russia

Госдума приняла закон, позволяющий использовать криптовалюты при трансграничных расчетах по внешнеторговым договорам.

Russian Parliament passed a law on cross-border settlements in cryptocurrencies

Legal Alert | 1 August 2024 |