Stonebridge Legal at the IV Kazan International Legal Forum
On 3rd October 2025, Stonebridge Legal participated in the IV Kazan International Legal Forum, serving as a session partner. Alexey Yadykin addressed the complexities of dispute resolution under sanctions, whilst Andrey Mironov contributed to a session examining legislative challenges and judicial practice in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Dispute resolution under sanctions
Alexey Yadykin, Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Practice, analysed the impact of sanctions on arbitration proceedings involving foreign counterparties. He explored circumstances in which Russian companies might genuinely succeed in international arbitration against foreign entities, including disputes where sanctions apply. The subsequent enforcement of arbitral awards in third countries was also examined.
Alexey also emphasised the importance of a measured approach when selecting a strategy for rights protection. He stressed the necessity of weighing all potential risks and advantages (whether pursuing arbitration or commencing proceedings in Russian courts) taking into account such considerations as risks of non-repatriation of foreign exchange earnings and the expiration of limitation periods.
Public-private partnership
During the Public-Private Partnership: Challenges in Legislation and Court Practice session, Andrey Mironov, Counsel and Head of the Infrastructure, Construction and PPP Practice at Stonebridge Legal, noted that pursuing numerical targets and increasing the volume of projects is misguided. He contended this would prove unachievable without elevated government expenditure and would result in parties engaging in PPP projects primarily to secure subsidies and fulfil quantitative indicators without proper regard for their actual efficacy.
Andrey explained that increased state funding allocated to this instrument leads to its transformation into an alternative form of state support or something akin to a government contract. Originally, PPP projects served as an effective means of attracting private investment and unique competencies to projects with commercial potential. Citing the establishment of the first toll roads as an example, he remarked: “The concession instrument proved valuable. No lease or state contract would have been suitable as, at that time, Russia lacked the competencies for creating automated toll collection systems and had no mechanism for establishing and operating public roads using extra-budgetary funds.”
We extend our gratitude to the organisers of the KILF for the opportunity to participate in this professional event.
The KILF serves as a platform for open dialogue among representatives of government, academia, and business. Two intensive days of the business programme afforded participants an invaluable networking experience in a collegial atmosphere.
For further details regarding the sessions, please read more on Pravo.ru and KazanFirst.