Russia Desk

GvW has a team of Russian-speaking lawyers who accompany projects relating to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries – in those countries and in Germany.

We are all deeply concerned by the events of Russia’s (i.e. Vladimir Putin’s) military aggression against Ukraine and condemn this act of war in the strongest possible terms.

The sanctions now in place against Russia have far-reaching consequences for German businesses. Almost all existing or planned business relations with Russia and Ukraine are affected by the current sanctions against Russia and by actions taken by Russia in response to them. 

We assist and advise businesses with any legal issues that may arise from this, including with dealing with the consequences this has on Ukraine and Russia (including with regard to financing issues, contract structures, restructurings and reorganisations, employment, residence and tax matters).

Our clients benefit from the experience and knowledge of our Russia and CIS experts, who are familiar both with German and Russian law, are fluent in Russian and have gained valuable experience from working and studying in Russia for extended periods.

We can provide a full range of services thanks to our effective network of well-tried cooperating law firms whose services we configure and coordinate to best suit the specific needs of our clients.

Core areas of our work:


International trade law advice:advice on sanctions and crisis management


Drafting and negotiating of cross-border supply contracts and service contracts (taking into account in particular the current challenges)


Tax planning and structuring of financing schemes, distributions, contributions and restructurings


Incorporation and liquidation of companies


Sale and acquisition of companies and shareholdings, M&A, joint ventures, private equity, venture capital


Sale and acquisition of real estate, project financing


Litigation/international arbitration


Individual and collective employment law