On 24 September 2025, the International Law Committee of the Ukrainian Bar Association successfully held the event titled: “Why the ECtHR Judgment in Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia of 9 July 2025 Is Unique in the History of International Law.”

The event took place in a hybrid format - both online and offline - in Kyiv, London, and Stockholm, bringing together international law professionals, scholars, and legal practitioners to discuss the historical significance of the Grand Chamber’s judgment.

Speakers included:

• Marharyta Sokorenko, Agent of Ukraine before the European Court of Human Rights
• Dr. Ganna Yudkivska, Vice-President of the European Society of International Law, Judge of the ECtHR (2010–2022)
• Tim Otty KC, Leading Counsel for Ukraine in the case
• Olga Kuchmiienko, Head of the UBA International Law Committee
• Anna Bukvych, Deputy Head of the UBA International Law Committee

Moderators:

• Filippa Exelin, Partner, White & Case
• Nataliia Tuzheliak, Board Member of the UBA International Law Committee, Associate, White & Case
• Vladyslav Bandrovsky, Deputy Head of the UBA International Law Committee, Senior Associate, Sayenko Kharenko

During the discussion, the experts addressed key legal issues and challenges encountered throughout the proceedings in the case of Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia before the European Court of Human Rights. Special focus was given to questions of jurisdiction and the determination of Russia’s responsibility for actions committed in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, starting from 2014.

The panel thoroughly analyzed the concept of “effective control”, which served as the basis for the Court’s conclusion that Russia bears responsibility for systematic human rights violations, including mass detentions, torture, killings, persecution of journalists, and destruction of civilian property.

The unique nature of the Grand Chamber’s ruling was also highlighted - a landmark and comprehensive decision recognizing Russia’s human rights violations on the territory of a sovereign state over many years. Speakers emphasized the importance of this precedent in shaping future jurisprudence in international law and its potential influence on other ongoing or forthcoming international proceedings against Russia. These include cases related to war crimes, genocide, unlawful expropriation, and violations of investment treaties.

The event concluded with a Q&A session and networking at the offices of partner law firms - White & Case in London and Stockholm, and Sayenko Kharenko in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Bar Association sincerely thanks all speakers, participants, and partners for their support and is already preparing more events in the field of international law!