Russian courts must rule on interim relief applications in commercial proceedings without notifying the respondent, on the day of filing or the following business day. Most arbitrazh courts issue the order within one to two business days. For foreign creditors seeking to freeze Russian assets, that initial window is typically the only one available before a counterparty can move assets. The application is considered ex parte by design.
The ex parte rule applies under Russian civil procedure rules governing both arbitrazh courts and general jurisdiction courts. The court reviews the application on the papers alone, without a hearing. Courts retain discretion to extend consideration to five business days in complex matters, though this remains uncommon in straightforward freezing applications.
The critical risk for foreign creditors is not the court's response time but preparation time before filing. An application lacking properly translated documentation will typically be refused outright. The most common risk points in interim relief applications [/insights/atr-pb-014-key-risk-points-in-interim-relief-application/] are well-documented in practice. Creditors who delay instructing Russian counsel risk losing the enforcement window: a debtor alerted to proceedings can move assets within days.
Foreign creditors should instruct local counsel at the earliest stage — ideally before the claim is filed. Early instruction allows documentation to be prepared in parallel, removing the bottleneck that most commonly causes applications to fail. The firm's Asset Tracing & Recovery practice [/practices/asset-tracing-recovery/] advises on interim relief strategy in Russian proceedings.
For assistance with interim relief applications in Russian courts — make an enquiry: 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 on enforcement strategy, interim relief applications, and cross-border asset recovery in Russian proceedings. Enquiries: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp / Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76 | t.me/vitvetcom
— Elizaveta Razina Senior Lawyer, Practice Lead — IP Enforcement, Vetrov & Partners vetrovpartners.com/razina/ Elizaveta Razina leads the firm's intellectual property practice, representing foreign trademark owners in infringement proceedings before Russian state courts and the IP Court. She has been with the firm since 2012 and holds a degree from Novosibirsk State University (2013).
This publication is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice under Russian or any other applicable law. The information herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel tailored to your specific circumstances. Vetrov & Partners is a Russian-qualified law firm. For matters governed by foreign law or requiring local admission in another jurisdiction, we collaborate with trusted counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. For advice regarding your particular situation, please contact info@vetrovpartners.com.