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

VERBA LEGAL

VERBA LEGAL law firm

Disputes in Western forums: winning strategies for Russian parties

The main conference of RIAC 2025 is the flagship event of the Congress, featuring world-renowned speakers. The aim of the conference is to seek answers to timeless questions of arbitration that remain relevant regardless of time, changes in legislation, or international affairs.

Participants in the conference will have the opportunity to attend four sessions.

Russian Arbitration Center

Main Conference of RIAC 2025

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.

International and Comparative Law Research Center (ICLRC)

Rebalancing Investment Treaties: Implications of the New Mechanisms Proposed by the ISDS Reform

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.

Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration

IICA event: Tel Aviv as an International Arbitration Center

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.

Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre

HKIAC: 40 Years of Connecting Across Jurisdictions

Realpolitik is a method of policy making based not on ideology but on self-interest, cynicism instead of idealism. The MZS Law Office invites discussion/debate on how the realpolitik paradigm affects the current landscape of international arbitration, which was founded on the ideals of humanism and international co-operation. The panellists will be invited to disregard personal opinions and take polar and uncompromising positions, either supporting or challenging the theses:

- Arbitrators remain impartial when considering Russian disputes;

- The New York Convention's system of enforcement withstands the test of sanctions.

Monastyrsky, Zyuba, Stepanov & Partners Law Office

Arbitration in the era of Realpolitik @ Baltschug Arbitration Space

Navigating International Dispute Resolution in a Changing World: 

13:30 - 14:00 | Registration & Refreshment 

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Law, Singapore

The New SIAC Rules and SIAC’s Experience with Russia-related Cases 

Deputy Chairman, SIAC Board of Directors; Partner, Allen & Gledhill

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

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

Chairman, Singapore International Mediation Centre

, Senior Associate, Kucher Kuleshov Maximenko & Partners

Singapore International Arbitration Centre

Navigating International Dispute Resolution in a Changing World: An SIAC Perspective

We are delighted to invite you to our first event in Russia hosted by the international law firm Laborde Law with offices in Paris, Dubai and Belgrade. This panel discussion will offer expert insights into Investor-State Dispute Settlement, focusing on its operation in East-West disputes. 

We invite participants to join us at the Four Seasons Hotel or online via Zoom. 

The event is going to be held in English. 

Laborde Law

ISDS - Bridging the gap between East and West

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.

Masin

Sanctions, Breach, Termination - New Routine for Russian Energy Sector & How We Dispute it

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.

Forward Legal

Russian Wine Testing 

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.

Dyakin, Gortsunyan and Partners

Arbitrators in modern geopolitical realities. Selection and appointment, background checks and challenges: case study.

 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.

ALUMNI Partners

Ancient Russia and Trade Routes: Byzantine Wine, Arabian Silver and Chinese Silk

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

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.

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

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

Partner at Baker McKenzie, member of ICC Court

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

The Chamber of Arbitrators (Minsk, Belarus)

Belarus as a friendly arbitration seat for EAEU, CIS, SCO, BRICS and other regional commercial disputes

“Neutral and Efficient Arbitration in Egypt and/or under CRCICA Rules.”

, the seminar will take place at the prestigious 

. This special session will shed light on CRCICA’s neutral, independent, and cost-efficient arbitration framework, showcasing Egypt’s emergence as a preferred venue for international dispute resolution. Operating from a sanction-free jurisdiction and guided by internationally recognized rules and procedures, CRCICA will use this platform to engage with Russian legal and business stakeholders, highlighting the growing opportunities for cross-border cooperation and institutional partnerships.

Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration

Neutral and Efficient Arbitration in Egypt and / or under CRCICA Rules

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.



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

LEVEL Legal Services

Brevia Law Office

The Investment Protection Puzzle: Structuring and Dispute Strategies in BRICS and Other Strategic Jurisdictions (Session 2)

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.

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

China-Russia Arbitration: Challenges, Opportunities and the Future

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

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

Mutual Recognition and Enforcement of Court Judgments between China and Russia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Silk Road Chamber of International Arbitration Promotion (MSRCIAP)

Maritime Silk Road Chamber of International Arbitration Promotion

Arbitration between Russia and China: Practice and Development

Brevia Law Offices

The Investment Protection Puzzle: Structuring and Dispute Strategies in BRICS and Other Strategic Jurisdictions (Session 1)

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.

Deputy Director of International Cooperation,

The media partners of the event are the Russian media group Dispute Resolution Club | DRC and the International Arbitration Centre of the Astana International Financial Centre | IAC AIFC

Young Institute of Modern Arbitration

Opportunities & Challenges for Young Arbitration Practitioners in Multicultural World

 invites you to a panel discussion involving in-house lawyers from the Russian companies from banking and oil and gas sectors and counsel of the main UAE arbitration centre. The discussion will be focused on the mutual recognition and enforcement of court judgments and arbitral awards and developments of the UAE arbitration system.

UPPERCASE LEGAL Advisory

Uppercase Legal Advisory

Litigation in state courts and arbitration centers in the UAE. Key aspects of enforcing Russian court judgments and arbitral awards in the UAE

 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.

Russian Women in Arbitration (RWA)

Ivanyan and Partners

Russian Women in Arbitration x Ivanyan & Partners

Who Is Appointed by Russian Parties? Key Insights from the Market Survey

Tashkent International Arbitration Centre

TIAC in action: from theory to practice

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.

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

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

Bouke Boersma – partner at 4DArbitration, The Netherlands

Nektorov, Saveliev & Partners

Awarding compensation to foreign investors in the context of international investment arbitration: lessons to take

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.

EPAM Law

Arbitration TEA: Tactics, Enforcement & Anti-suit. Navigating Parallel Proceedings in Arbitration

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.

Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration

Building Bridges in Global Arbitration: Innovation, Collaboration, and Multidimensional Perspectives

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.  

Soft Law Community

«Netgiving» of arbitration institutions

Public talk followed by an openair reception on a rooftop terrace in the heart of Moscow 

Moderator - Dr. Roman Bevzenko, Senior Legal Counsel, LGP

provides information support of the event: https://drc-forum.ru/ 

Lansky, Ganzger, Goeth & Partners (LGP Group)

Lansky, Ganzger and Partners

Can ISDS Hold its Promise in the Pursuit of the Rule of Law under the Current Geopolitical Turbulence? 

Asari Legal and RAC invite you to the deck of ArbitrationShip. You will be able to enjoy the views of evening Moscow and chat with colleagues in an informal atmosphere.

Asari Legal

ArbitrationShip x Asari Legal

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, 

 (one of the most sought-after arbitrators in the world) and 

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.

E L W I 

Frozen Assets, Heated Disputes: the Impact of Sanctions on International Investment Law

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 

 global economy, technological progress, and the needs of disputing parties.

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

, Advocate, Counsel, Asari Legal - "Digitalization and AI in International Arbitration"

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

, 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

, CEO, Zero eDiscovery - "Artificial Intelligence for Electronic Document Review in International Arbitration"

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

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

Enhancing Efficiency in International Arbitration: Bridging Technology, Expertise, and Soft Law

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.

Kucher, Kuleshov, Maksimenko & Partners

International investment arbitration: challenges and geopolitical tensions

Russian Arbitration Day (RAD) is a unique conference dedicated to the development of arbitration in Russia and abroad. Since its inception in 2013, the RAD has rightfully become one of the most successful events in the CIS region. 

Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration

Legal Academy

Russian Arbitration Day

Participation in the Grand Opening Ceremony is included in the RIAC Main Conference participant ticket, no additional registration is required. If you do not plan to attend the Main Conference but would like to attend the Opening Ceremony, please register.

Grand Opening Ceremony х Dyakin, Gortsunyan and Partners

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.

Morning Yoga x Young Institute of Modern Arbitration

Moscow City Center Walking Tour (available in English only)

Guided tour of the State Tretyakov Gallery. Please note that this event will be held in English only.

Masterpieces of the Russian art: Guided tour of the State Tretyakov Gallery (available in English only)

Guided tour of the State Tretyakov Gallery. Please note that this event will be held in Russian only.

Masterpieces of the Russian art: Guided tour of the State Tretyakov Gallery (available in Russian only)

We invite you to join our first “casual Friday” event organized by the new RAA40 Council. Here you will have an opportunity to speak with colleagues, to share your experience and ask questions on the issues of the arbitration (

) world to the leading Russian-speaking arbitrators: Anna Grishchenkova, Roman Zykov, Anna Kozmenko and Sergey Usoskin. We also would like to share RAA40 plans and discuss various issues with colleagues over a glass of wine and light snacks.

* The official language of the event is Russian

Information partner of the event is RAA25.

RAA40

RAA40 Hardtalk: Candid Conversation with Arbitrators – Professional Pathways, Arbitration Insights and Timeless Questions

In Russia and many other jurisdictions adjudication still remains terra incognita. We have invited international practitioners  with a long-term expertise to shed light on this matter.

During the interactive session, our speakers along with the guests, will try to puzzle out what adjudication actually is and how this alternative dispute resolution method can help to boost the implementation of complex projects, improve business relations, and save money.

Russian Arbitration Center at the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration

Better Call the Board: Adjudication as a Key to Conflict Management

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

Disputes in Western forums: winning strategies for Russian parties

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