Alert: important development in interim relief applications in Russian courts for Indian creditors

Alert: important development in interim relief applications in Russian courts for Indian creditors Effective: July 2026

Russian arbitrazh courts have materially tightened the evidentiary standard they apply when considering interim relief applications — including asset preservation and freezing orders — filed by foreign creditors. In practice, courts are now requiring applicants to demonstrate a more direct and documented causal link between the assets sought to be preserved and the underlying claim. For Indian creditors pursuing recovery of debts or enforcement of contractual obligations in Russia, this shift represents a meaningful change to the procedural calculus that should inform any pending or planned interim relief application in Russian courts.

Indian creditors are directly affected by this development for two reasons. First, cross-border claims — where the creditor is domiciled outside Russia and the debtor or its assets are located within the Russian Federation — have historically attracted closer judicial scrutiny on the urgency and proportionality requirements. Second, the change applies across the arbitrazh court system, meaning it is relevant whether proceedings are filed in Moscow, Novosibirsk, or any other jurisdiction within Russia. Creditors who have already obtained interim relief should verify that the order remains enforceable under the current approach; creditors preparing applications should recalibrate their supporting documentation accordingly. The firm's Asset Tracing & Recovery practice regularly advises foreign creditors at this stage.

Recommended action:

1. Review any pending interim relief application and confirm that the supporting evidence satisfies the more demanding causal-link standard now being applied by Russian courts.
2. If an interim order has already been granted, assess whether the counterparty is likely to challenge continuation on the basis of the revised judicial approach.
3. Engage Russian-qualified counsel before filing or responding — the procedural window for interim measures under Russian procedural rules is typically narrow and does not accommodate iterative correction of deficient submissions.

Speak to our team about interim relief applications in Russian courts — info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp/Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76

About Vetrov & Partners Vetrov & Partners is a Russian boutique law firm established in 2009, recognised by Pravo-300 for eight consecutive years. The firm's asset tracing and recovery practice advises foreign creditors — including those domiciled in India and other EAEU-adjacent jurisdictions — on interim relief strategy, asset preservation, and enforcement in Russian courts. Enquiries: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp / Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76 | t.me/vitvetcom

This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Vetrov & Partners is a Russian-qualified law firm. Contact info@vetrovpartners.com for advice on your specific situation.

— Elizaveta Razina Senior Lawyer, Practice Lead — IP Enforcement, Vetrov & Partners vetrovpartners.com/razina/