Ukraine, Sanctions & Security in Europe for 2025

Taking for granted a nation state’s territorial integrity is no longer a possibility in Europe, as testified by the Russia-Ukraine war. Significant implications for security and sanctions are now also posed by the new administration in the USA, in particular for the EU. Questions also remain over the future of the existing sanctions regime within and across nations.

As claims for compensation mount, states are having to grapple with questions for how long assets will be frozen and will they ever be subject to confiscation?

The new experience of many countries indicates a development in international sanctions law, taking on new and wide-reaching features. The first application in Ukraine of the doctrine of alter ego regarding compensation for war damages has also created something of a new precedent. With these developments in mind, there is no better time to explore a comparative and international law look at sanctions law and to consider how states are learning from one another’s experience and how this important body of law may develop (or fragment) when dealing with the biggest challenge it faces: whether frozen assets can be forfeited and how any scheme of administration would be arranged; maintaining a balance of rights and interests when applying sanctions and the alter ego doctrine.

Come and join us in the Nash Lecture Theatre at King’s College London on Wednesday 19 March 2025 17:00 for 17:30 or virtually by MS Teams 17:15 for 17:30, for a panel discussion chaired by Prof Paul Cardwell (Professor of Law at KCL) with Lord Dan Brennan KC (Matrix Chambers & the House of Lords), Olena Sukmanova (Head of Litigation, Sayenko Kharenko & previously Deputy & First Deputy Minister of Justice, Ukraine) & Mariia Kostytska (Lawyer & Head of Arbitration at Winston & Strawn, Paris).

Followed by a drinks reception in the Somerset Room from 19:00.

This event is free if you are a student, register with a KCL email address, or you are a solicitor or junior under 5 years call. For all others there is a £10 administration charge.

Register for virtual attendance here