On August 5, the Commercial Court in Paris, appointed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration to hear Ukrenergo’s case against Russia over Ukrainian assets in Crimea, issued a decision confirming the tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear the dispute. This decision paves the way for further consideration of Ukrenergo’s claims filed against Russia in 2019, which concerned compensation for illegally expropriated energy assets and investments in Crimea.

The damage caused by the Russians is estimated at €527 million. At least 17 high-voltage substations of Ukrenergo in Crimea and more than 1300 km of power lines are involved.

The Commercial Court started hearing the case in November 2020. As a result, it took the tribunal 11 months to analyze the parties’ arguments and decide on jurisdiction.

The next step will be to determine the procedural calendar for further hearings, during which the case of Ukrenergo v. Russian Federation will be considered on the merits.