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

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).

Warehouse complex

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 compaction and granulation plant in St. Petersburg. The contract was governed by Swedish substantive law.

Port of Vistino

Advising on the construction of a port in Vistino. Structuring of a $19 billion deal, corporate structuring of the investment and assistance in the implementation of the project at all stages.