Russia appoints Ex-CJI DY Chandrachud For Ukraine Legal Battle: Big Global Role After Supreme Court Exit

Three-Member Arbitration Tribunal

The arbitration panel will consist of three members.

Costa Rican arbitrator and former trade minister Dyala Jimenez has been appointed as the president of the tribunal after being selected jointly by Russia and Oschadbank.

Oschadbank selected Greek arbitrator and National University of Singapore professor Stavros Brekoulakis as its nominee, while Russia appointed Justice DY Chandrachud as its representative.

Earlier Russia Approaches Reportedly Declined

Justice Chandrachud’s appointment comes months after reports that he had declined earlier requests to represent Russia in other arbitration matters involving companies such as Wintershall Dea and Ukraine’s power transmission operator Ukrenergo.

Reports stated that those approaches were made while he was associated with another arbitration process and that he later stepped away after disclosing the communication.

DY Chandrachud’s Post-Retirement Role

Justice DY Chandrachud served as the 50th Chief Justice of India from November 2022 to November 2024.

During his tenure, he headed several Constitution Bench hearings and delivered key judgments on issues related to constitutional law, technology, elections and individual rights.

After retiring from the Supreme Court, Justice Chandrachud has continued to participate in legal and academic engagements.

International Legal Battle Continues

The Oschadbank arbitration is part of a series of international legal disputes linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Ukrainian bank had earlier won an arbitration case against Russia over the alleged expropriation of its assets in Crimea following the 2014 annexation, with a tribunal awarding compensation of around $1.1 billion, including interest.

The latest case will now examine claims related to losses suffered after the 2022 conflict and determine whether compensation is payable under the bilateral investment treaty.