ICC RUSSIA Conference

For RIAC 2025 participants, the price for participation is discounted - 20%.

Use the special promo code ICC20 when registering on the event website.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) will host a session that highlights how HKIAC’s 40 years of experience strengthen its position as a vital platform for connecting the diverse regions. The discussion will delve into HKIAC’s long-standing expertise and unique features over the past four decades, the latest updates to the 2024 HKIAC Rules, practical insights from arbitration cases, and perspectives from arbitrator, counsel, and user. It will also examine the evolving landscape of international arbitration and HKIAC’s role as a bridge between jurisdictions such as Russia, Asia and the Middle East, particularly in the resolution of complex cross-border disputes.

As the demand for flexible and enforceable dispute resolution grows, mediation is well-positioned to complement arbitration within the ecosystem of cross-border disputes. A raft of recent developments in practice and policy by states, international organisations, and institutions have supported the use of mediation for the settlement of commercial and investment disputes. In this panel event, the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA) unpacks the latest developments and best practices for participants. Participants can expect to gain practical insights on deploying mediation to complement their toolbox of dispute resolution skills when resolving disputes for clients.

Registration begins at 9:00 AM (Moscow time).

The panel will discuss the following:

A. Usage of the Singapore Convention on Mediation. A landmark multilateral treaty that strengthens the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements, the panel will reflect on the scope of its signatories and ratifications in 2025, effects of its key provisions, and its enduring role in enhancing the credibility and appeal of mediation for complex cross-border disputes.

B. Usage of mediation in commercial disputes. The panel will highlight how businesses across sectors are leveraging mediation to resolve high-value disputes in a manner that is adaptive to global business environments. The panel will discuss industry best practices in creating resilient multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses, mediated settlement agreements, and institutional developments that both suggest and support growing adoption of mediation within the toolbox of dispute resolution professionals.

C. Usage of mediation in investor-State disputes. The panel will address changes to the legal and policy frameworks governing investor-state dispute settlement to assist parties in engaging in non-adversarial dispute settlement. As States and investors alike express concern about the length and cost of disputes, both ICSID and UNCITRAL Working Group III have introduced procedural innovations to encourage the use of mediation as an equally appropriate mechanism to address common challenges inherent to investor-state disputes.

The event will begin with coffee and refreshments.

Israel offers strategic advantages for Russian businesses and legal professionals seeking effective international arbitration.

As a neutral and multilingual jurisdiction, Israel provides specialized arbitration expertise in key sectors such as technology, energy, and infrastructure.

Israel's professional excellence, technological advancement, and cultural synergy position Tel-Aviv as a premier destination for international arbitration involving Russian businesses and law firms.

In this event, we will explore the main benefits and practical advantages for Russian businesses choosing Israel as their arbitration venue.

In recent years, states have redefined their approach to investment treaties, seeking to strike a better balance between investor protection and their right to regulate in the public interest by including stronger provisions on the right to regulate. States are also asserting greater control over treaty interpretation, using joint interpretative declarations to guide arbitral tribunals and prevent the interpretation contrary to the parties’ intentions.

UNCITRAL Working Group III plays an important role in these efforts. The Working Group is leading an ISDS reform to enhance the consistency, correctness, predictability, and coherence of arbitral awards and to strengthen the legitimacy of the ISDS system. Among the elements of the reform, the Working Group is considering provisions on the right to regulate, counterclaims, and interpretation mechanisms as key tools to rebalance investment treaties and give states sufficient freedom to regulate in the public interest and hold investors accountable for possible violations.

During the event, renowned expert practitioners will explore these mechanisms and the creation of a more balanced dispute resolution framework for both states and investors.

Disputes in Western forums: winning strategies for Russian parties conference inviting speakers from Western jurisdictions, which used to be the traditional forum for resolving disputes involving Russian companies.

The aim of the conference is to show that many Russian companies whose arbitration and prorogation clauses refer to Western forums can defend their interests in arbitration despite the current, largely «negative», information background.

The invited experts will also share their experience in resolving the practical issues they face when representing Russian companies.

• Tatyana Neveeva – attorney-at-law, LL.M, managing partner, VERBA LEGAL
• Anton Alifanov – attorney-at-law, LL.M, сounsel, VERBA LEGAL
• Michael Swainston – King’s Counsel, Brick Court Chambers
• Abhinav Bhushan – director (Foreign Law), Dispute Resolution, Drew & Napier
• Andreas Schregenberger – attorney-at-law, LL.M
• Natalia Zaitseva – deputy general director for legal affairs, Power Machines
• Bouke Boersma – attorney-at-law, partner, 4DArbitration

Is it possible to expect compensation in investment arbitration? Why do the amounts claimed often differ significantly from the amounts awarded? And to what extent do arbitrations really protect investors' interests?

We invite legal counsels and business representatives to a debate concerning the investors' prospects in disputes with states. You will enjoy a lively exchange of arguments, practical examples and discussion of controversial issues from different points of view - from damage assessment to final payments.

Among speakers:

Ilia Rachkov – MCIArb, PhD, attorney-at-law, partner at NSP, Russia

Professor Khawar Qureshi (KC) - head of McNair International, UK

Rajiv Hariharan – counsel at Providence Law, Singapore

Tigran Ter-Martirosyan – partner at Tivaco, Singapore

Igor Churkin - partner at FBK, Russia

Girgis Abd El-Shahid – managing partner at Shahid Law firm, Egypt

Bouke Boersma – partner at 4DArbitration, The Netherlands

SIAC Presents

Navigating International Dispute Resolution in a Changing World:

An SIAC Perspective | Fireside Chat and a Panel Discussion

The Carlton, Moscow

Programme

13:30 - 14:00 | Registration & Refreshment

14:00 - 14:10 | Opening Address by Ms Charlene Chang, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Law, Singapore

14:10 - 15:00 | The New SIAC Rules and SIAC’s Experience with Russia-related Cases

Moderator:

- Mr Jay Shin, Head, SIAC North East Asia

Speakers:

- Mr Chong Yee Leong, Deputy Chairman, SIAC Board of Directors; Partner, Allen & Gledhill

- Mr Dmitry Dyakin, Member, SIAC Court of Arbitration; Partner, Dyakin, Gortsunyan & Partners

- Mr Vivekananda Neelakantan, Registrar, SIAC

15:00 - 16:00 | Panel Discussion: Beyond Uncertainty: Shaping the Future of Dispute Resolution in Russia

Moderator:

- Ms Yulia Mullina, CEO, Russian Arbitration Center

Speakers:

- Mr Randolph Khoo, Managing Director, Drew & Napier

- Mr Edmund Kronenburg, Managing Partner, Braddell Brothers

- Mr George Lim, SC, Chairman, Singapore International Mediation Centre

- Mr Arthur Ma, Partner, DaHui Lawyers

- Mr Zeyu (Chuck) Peng, Senior Associate, Kucher Kuleshov Maximenko & Partners

16:00 | Networking Reception

In the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in disputes related to contract terminations in energy projects, particularly in EPC and long-term agreements. Whether it’s delays, cost overruns, or force majeure claims, contract enforcement remains a contentious issue.

Key Discussion Points:

• Common grounds for contract termination in major energy projects
• When does a termination lead to legitimate claims vs. unnecessary escalation?
• How developers and contractors manage disputes over liquidated damages, delays, and performance failures
• The impact of sanctions, force majeure, and regulatory risks on contract enforcement
• Lessons from recent arbitration cases on wrongful termination

ALUMNI Partners is delighted to invite you to an exclusive evening with a unique lecture dedicated to international cooperation in the Viking Age and the formation of the Ancient Russian State and a fascinating guided tour of one of the most authentic and stunning centers of Russian history and archaeology in the heart of Moscow – the State Historical Museum. We invite you to step back in time and understand how international relations and trade led to the emergence of Russia in the 8th–11th centuries AD, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of adventure, battles, archaeology and Russian culture. Simultaneous translation into English will be provided.

The event is dedicated to interaction with arbitrators in the current geopolitical realities. Speakers will talk about their approaches to selecting and vetting arbitrators, as well as the current practice of challenging arbitrators on the grounds of political bias. We will discuss specific ways to verify conflicts of interest, modern interpretation of the standards of independence and impartiality, statistics of arbitral institutions on challenges and recusal, and provide real practical recommendations on how to form a neutral independent tribunal that will be able to impartially consider a dispute involving the Russian side and render a fair judgement.

Amid the shifting international landscape, the role of economic sanctions has taken on renewed urgency — affecting not only political relations but also the very fabric of cross-border investments. This session brings together two eminent experts, Bernardo Cremades (one of the most sought-after arbitrators in the world) and Koorosh Ameli (former judge of the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal), to explore the complex interplay between sanctions regimes and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).

By drawing from high-profile cases and firsthand experience, our speakers will unpack the evolving parameters of international law, from the legitimacy of unilateral sanctions to the lessons learned in complex post-conflict frameworks. Participants will gain insight into navigating the new reality of arbitral disputes shaped by geopolitical tension, while exploring the resilience of investment law in the face of sanctions and extraordinary state measures.

We invite participants to join us at the Carlton Hotel, Moscow.

The event will be held in English. Interpretation into Russian will be available upon request.

Program:

16:00 - 16:30 Registration & Refreshment 16:30 - 18:00 Panel discussion & Q&A 18:00 - 19:00 Cocktail & Networking

Speakers:

• Bernardo M. Cremades, Senior Partner (B. Cremades y Asociados)
• Koorosh H. Ameli, Judge (Ameli International Arbitration, former judge of the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal)
• Sergey Alekhin, Partner (E L W I)

Media partner — DRC | Dispute Resolution Club.

Winemaking in Russia started many centuries ago and has had ups and downs. In 1900 Russian sparkling wine won the Grand Prix in Paris, beating French champagne. We'll learn about André Chelistcheff, a Russian aristocrat who became America's leading winemaker “The Maestro”.

We invite RIAC participants to join Russian Wine Testing, hold by Forward Legal law firm. With Alexandra Arshakuni, member of the Russian sommelier association, teacher at WineState wine school and expert on Russian wines, we'll discuss and taste some of the most interesting Russian wines, which have been highly rated at Russian and international competitions, and we will also taste wine that is served at President Putin's dinners.

There are significant growth of China-Russia relations in trade, business, and other spheres, the rules, practice and development, arbitration enforcement in Russia and China will be increasingly important for business.Over the past few years, the Russia-China partnership of comprehensive strategic cooperation has always been steady and far-reaching, and practical cooperation in various fields has continued to be intensified, showing a good trend of steady growth in both quantity and quality. Bilateral trade volume exceeded $244 billion in 2024, a record high, and China-Russia relation is increasing.

Considering the background of geopolitical complexity, the development of international arbitration is important for the economic and trade exchanges between BRICS countries. By sharing their experience in arbitration, companies and stakeholders will be able to get insights into how to choose arbitration procedures, select arbitrators, and effectively enforce arbitral awards. This not only helps to resolve existing disputes, but also helps to reduce legal risks of business transactions.

Moderator and Opening Remarks

Dr. Shouzhi AN, General-Secretary of MSRCIAP Executive Committee; Ambassador of RIAC 2025

China-Russia Arbitration: Challenges, Opportunities and the Future

Speakers:

1. Ms. Elena Avakyan, Vice President, the Russian Federal Bar Association (member organization of ICDPASO)

Topic: Tbc

2. Mr. Igor Gorokhov, Managing Lawyer, CLS Law Firm

Topic: Mutual Recognition and Enforcement of Court Judgments between China and Russia

3. Mr. Mark Yang, Senior Partner, Anjie Broad Law Firm Xiamen Office

Topic: Recognition and Enforcement of Russian and Hong Kong Arbitral Awards in Mainland China

4. Mr. Pavel Kislovskiy, Managing Lawyer, CLS Law Firm

Topic: Sanctions and anti-sanctions risks in the choice of arbitration seats. Risks of non-enforcement of commercial arbitration awards in Russia

5. Mr. Weiming (Nick) YUAN, Senior Partner, Zhonglun W&D Law Firm, Tianjin Office

Topic:The Impact of Sanctions and Counter-Sanctions on Arbitration in China

Seminar /Roundtable focused on actual international arbitration law and practice in Belarus, impact of foreign sanctions and application of Belarusian anti-sanction measures, recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards

Keynote speech:

Aleksei Korochkin, Belarus

Chairman of the International Arbitration Court ‘Chamber of Arbitrators at the Union of Lawyers’, Head of Minsk Regional Specialized Legal Advice Office on Juridical Support to Business.

Moderator:

Alexey Anischenko, Belarus

Partner at Anischenko Laptev, member of the Presidium of the Chamber of Arbitrators, member of VIAC International Advisory Board

Panellists:

Yury Babichev, Russia

Partner at Alumni Partners

Roman Butenko, Russia

Ph.D, Advocate, Counsel at Melling, Voitishkin & Partners

Lilia Klochenko, Austria

Managing Partner, Klochenko & Partners

Oksana Kotel, Belarus

Partner at Goretsky & Partners, member of the Presidium of the Chamber of Arbitrators

Oleg Todua, UAE

Partner at White & Case

We invite you to participate in a unique panel discussion about opportunities and challenges faced by young arbitration practitioners in different parts of the world. This event will bring together private practitioners and representatives from arbitral institutions from Europe, Asia and Middle East, who will share their insights on building a successful arbitration career in a modern multicultural world. We will talk about regional perspectives on developing career in arbitration, getting the first arbitrator appointment and different cultural approaches when dealing with arbitral tribunals as counsel.

Panel discussion will be held in English language.

The event will explore modern tools and approaches to enhance the efficiency of international arbitration. Invited speakers will discuss how technological advancements, soft law, and innovative dispute resolution mechanisms can improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and adaptability of international arbitration.

The event will facilitate dialogue between legal professionals and technology innovators to make arbitration faster, more accessible, and better adapted to the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy, technological progress, and the needs of disputing parties.

Moderator: Dmitry Kaysin, Advocate, Ph.D. in Law, LL.M, Partner, Co-Head of Dispute Resolution Practice, Asari Legal

Featured Speakers:

1. Varvara Voynova, Advocate, Counsel, Asari Legal - "Digitalization and AI in International Arbitration"

2. Roman Zykov, Ph.D. in Law, LL.M, Secretary General, Russian Arbitration Association (RAA) - "Prague Rules and Efficient Management of Arbitral Proceedings"

3. Edmund J Kronenburg, Advocate & Solicitor (Singapore), Solicitor (England & Wales), LL.B, Managing Partner, Braddell Brothers LLP – “Proactive Strategies to Streamline Arbitration: Expert Meetings & Joint Reports, Mid-Stream CMCs, and Post-Hearing Procedures”

4. Nikita Pavlov, CEO, Zero eDiscovery - "Artificial Intelligence for Electronic Document Review in International Arbitration"

5. Andreas Schregenberger, attorney-at-law, LL.M, Gabriel Arbitration – "Greener Arbitrations between Efficiency and Efficacy"

6. Vikas Mahendra, Advisor, TERES - “Artificial Intelligence Tools in Modern Dispute Resolution: Transcription, Translation, and Evidence Management"

Russian Women in Arbitration (RWA) and Ivanyan and Partners are pleased to invite you to immerse yourself into the enchanting atmosphere of the 18th century at our joint event held at the House of the Muravyov-Apostols, the manor of nobility built in the classicism style. The House has a rich history: it survived the Fire of Moscow (1812), became home to members of Decembrists’ societies and endured difficult times in the 1990s.

The event program includes an open discussion to be held in the Ballroom of the House. The discussion will be dedicated to the preliminary results of RWA’s survey on the appointment of arbitrators in disputes related to Russia. This type of survey has not been conducted for several years, so you will have a unique opportunity to gain insights into how Russian arbitration practitioners approach the appointment of arbitrators in international disputes today and share your experience as well.

After the discussion, there will be a cozy reception in the Pink Drawing Room of the House, traditionally used for gatherings of this kind, where you will be offered food and drinks.

Joint Panel Discussions will be held by LEVEL Legal Services and Brevia Law Office with the support of Rajah&Tann.

Effective investment protection begins long before any dispute arises — with thoughtful structuring, careful risk assessment, and the right choice of dispute resolution mechanisms. However, even the most robust strategy can face asset freezes, regulatory hurdles, or shifting political landscapes. These challenges, from proactive planning to navigating real-world disruptions, will be the focus of two dedicated sessions.

Moderators:

• Alexey Dudko, Senior Partner, Head of Litigation and Investigation Practice, LEVEL Legal Services
• Denis Almakaev, Partner, Head of International Litigation Practice, LEVEL Legal Services
• Olga Tsvetkova, Managing Partner, Brevia Law Offices
• Victor Radnaev, Partner, Dispute Resolution and Sanctions Regulation Practice, Brevia Law Offices

Invited Speakers:

• Makar German, Deputy Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the UAE
• Yulia Dragunova, Head of the Department for Representation of the Russian Federation in International Trade Law Organizations, Legal Department, Ministry of Economic Development
• Irina Levina, Head of Litigation, Yandex
• Representative of EXIAR (part of the Russian Export Center Group)
• Faris Nasrallah, Head of International Arbitration, Crescent Petroleum
• Avinash Pradhan, Deputy Head of International Arbitration, Co-Head of South Asia Desk, Rajah&Tann (Singapore)
• Michelle Li, Head of International Arbitration, Construction & Projects (China, Shenzhen)
• Polina Galperina, Head of International Projects Division, Nordgold
• Kirill Strunnikov, Director of International Practice, RUSAL
• Petr Glushkov, Managing Director, Head of Legal Department, Rowan Financial Management

Program: 11:30–12:00 | Registration & Welcome Drinks 12:00–13:15 | Session 1: Structuring Investments – Where Protection Begins 13:15–14:00 | Networking Lunch 14:00–15:15 | Session 2: Strategies for Protecting Russian Assets in the Current Geopolitical Landscape 15:15 | Cocktail Reception

With the media support of DRC | Dispute Resolution Club and Legal Insight.

Joint Panel Discussions will be held by LEVEL Legal Services and Brevia Law Office with the support of Rajah&Tann.

Effective investment protection begins long before any dispute arises — with thoughtful structuring, careful risk assessment, and the right choice of dispute resolution mechanisms. However, even the most robust strategy can face asset freezes, regulatory hurdles, or shifting political landscapes. These challenges, from proactive planning to navigating real-world disruptions, will be the focus of two dedicated sessions.

Moderators:

• Alexey Dudko, Senior Partner, Head of Litigation and Investigation Practice, LEVEL Legal Services
• Denis Almakaev, Partner, Head of International Litigation Practice, LEVEL Legal Services
• Olga Tsvetkova, Managing Partner, Brevia Law Offices
• Victor Radnaev, Partner, Dispute Resolution and Sanctions Regulation Practice, Brevia Law Offices

Invited Speakers:

• Makar German, Deputy Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the UAE
• Yulia Dragunova, Head of the Department for Representation of the Russian Federation in International Trade Law Organizations, Legal Department, Ministry of Economic Development
• Irina Levina, Head of Litigation, Yandex
• Representative of EXIAR (part of the Russian Export Center Group)
• Faris Nasrallah, Head of International Arbitration, Crescent Petroleum
• Avinash Pradhan, Deputy Head of International Arbitration, Co-Head of South Asia Desk, Rajah&Tann (Singapore)
• Michelle Li, Head of International Arbitration, Construction & Projects (China, Shenzhen)
• Polina Galperina, Head of International Projects Division, Nordgold
• Kirill Strunnikov, Director of International Practice, RUSAL
• Petr Glushkov, Managing Director, Head of Legal Department, Rowan Financial Management

Program: 11:30–12:00 | Registration & Welcome Drinks 12:00–13:15 | Session 1: Structuring Investments – Where Protection Begins 13:15–14:00 | Networking Lunch 14:00–15:15 | Session 2: Strategies for Protecting Russian Assets in the Current Geopolitical Landscape 15:15 | Cocktail Reception

With the media support of DRC | Dispute Resolution Club and Legal Insight.

The system of international investment arbitration, established under international investment protection agreements, is in a state of flux, facing numerous challenges amid geopolitical tensions. States that were traditionally seen as exporting investments and relied on investment treaties to protect their investors are increasingly defending claims brought against them.

In the framework of the networking event, we invite representatives of arbitral institutions from around the world to share experience and join efforts in digitalization of the dispute administration process. Speakers will not only describe their digital transformation and the challenges faced in implementing new solutions, but also look for grounds for mutual cooperation in the field. 

EPAM Law is pleased to invite you to the Arbitration TEA: Tactics, Enforcement & Anti-suit to discuss how to navigate parallel proceedings in arbitration. This session will explore both practical and legal approaches to managing the risks associated with concurrent arbitral and court proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. Among the confirmed speakers are senior representatives of prominent international arbitration institutions, including SIAC and HKIAC, the former Vice President of the Tel Aviv District Court, and leading experts from the International Arbitration and Litigation practice of EPAM Law.

Join us for a seminar on the latest developments in Chinese international arbitration, covering key aspects such as recent reforms in Chinese arbitration law, the evolving arbitration framework, procedural innovations, and the growth of arbitration institutions. This event will provide valuable insights into how China’s arbitration system is adapting to global trends, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening its role in international dispute resolution.

We invite you to a morning yoga class. This is a great opportunity to combine business with pleasure: strengthen your body and spirit, and make new acquaintances in the professional environment. The class will take place in one of the oldest yoga studios in the very center of Moscow - Jivamukti Yoga - and is suitable for any level of training.

The event is supported by LEVEL Legal Services. The media partner of the event is the Russian media group Dispute Resolution Club | DRC.

We invite you to one of the most exciting sports events of the legal community in Moscow – Moscow Legal Run 2025.