LIDW 2026 Video: The Lugovoy Law, Insolvencies of Western Companies in Russia and the Enforcement of Russian Judgments Abroad

On 4 June, KK&P Trial Lawyers and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP co-hosted an event as part of LIDW 2026 titled:

“The Next Stage of Russian Sanctions-Related Disputes: Injunctions, Parallel Proceedings, Risks and Consequences of Russian Insolvency Procedures, and Global Recognition and Enforcement Disputes.”

The discussion focused on recent developments in sanctions-related disputes, the approaches taken by English and Russian courts, the practical application of the Lugovoy Law, competing injunctions, the risks of cross-border enforcement of Russian judgments, and emerging trends in insolvency proceedings involving foreign companies.

The full video recording of the event with timecodes is available here: https://youtu.be/pf3ejteaXkc

Speakers

  • Oleg Kolotilov and Nikolay Pokryshkin (Partners, KK&P Trial Lawyers);
  • Emma Deas (Partner) and Alexander Gridasov (Senior Associate), Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer;
  • Saima Hanif KC, 3 Verulam Buildings.

Key presentations

Nikolay Pokryshkin (KK&P Trial Lawyers)

New Recovery Strategies Against Western Companies: Type C Accounts, Moving Beyond the Lugovoy Law and Insolvencies of Foreign Entities in Russia

41:06 – Enforcing Judgments Against Assets Restricted by Russian Counter-Sanctions

How Russian creditors are seeking to recover against receivables, Type C accounts and other assets affected by Russia’s counter-sanctions regime

45:50 – Moving Beyond the Lugovoy Law: A New Strategy for Enforcing Russian Judgments Abroad

Why Russian claimants are increasingly avoiding explicit reliance on Article 248.1 of the Russian Commercial Procedure Code and reframing disputes as ordinary commercial or tort claims to improve prospects for recognition and enforcement overseas

49:36 – Insolvencies of Western Companies in Russia as a Recovery Tool for Russian Creditors

How insolvency proceedings against foreign companies may be used to gain access to assets, management, shareholders and affiliated entities, even after a business has exited Russia

1:00:41 – Preparing for the Risk of Insolvency Proceedings in Russia

Practical recommendations for EU, UK and US companies facing the risk of insolvency proceedings in Russia, including successful defence strategies developed in the Euroclear and Credit Suisse matters

 

Oleg Kolotilov (KK&P Trial Lawyers)

The Lugovoy Law and Defence Strategies for Western Companies in Russian Courts

14:07 – How the Lugovoy Law Has Changed the Rules of Russia-Related Disputes

When Russian courts may assume jurisdiction despite arbitration agreements and clauses, what anti-suit injunctions and penalties may be imposed on Western defendants, and why these risks are no longer merely theoretical

19:54 – Navigating Russian Proceedings: Key Defence Strategies for Western Defendants

An overview of the principal approaches adopted by banks, insurers, guarantors and other Western companies in Russian court proceedings, including situations involving recourse claims, and the key factors that may influence strategic decision-making

 

Alexander Gridasov (Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer)

English Court Tools for Protecting International Businesses

28:18 – English Injunctions: Opportunities and Limitations

30:07 – UniCredit v RusChemAlliance: When an Injunction May Increase Risk

33:35 – Enforcement of Russian Judgments Abroad

 

Saima Hanif KC (3 Verulam Buildings)

Recent English Court Practice in Sanctions-Related Disputes

04:11 – Celestial Aviation: The UK Supreme Court’s New Approach to the Interpretation of Sanctions Legislation

07:25 – EuroChem v Société Générale: Control, Illegality of Performance and the Principle of International Comity

 

KK&P Trial Lawyers would like to thank Emma Deas, Alexander Gridasov and Saima Hanif KC for an engaging discussion and their valuable insights on these important issues.