From June 2-6, 2025, London hosted the London International Disputes Week (LIDW), one of the most significant events in the global dispute resolution calendar. This year's edition focused on the timely and pressing topics of innovation in dispute resolution and the evolving global risks it addresses. The conference brought together leading practitioners, academics, and policymakers to examine issues such as how geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping dispute resolution.
Our arbitration practice colleagues Yulia Adamovych, Taisa Poetova, and Vsevolod Mazurenko attended various sessions, while Oleg Alyoshin, Partner and Head of International Arbitration Practice at Vasil Kisil & Partners, contributed as a speaker.
Below are the key takeaways from the conference sessions.
Ukraine minerals deal: the contours of the bargain and the legal framework for implementation
During LIDW, Winston & Strawn and the international law committee of the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) hosted an event examining the contours of Ukraine’s minerals deal with the United States and the legal framework for its implementation. Joined by distinguished speakers and moderators, including Oleg Alyoshin (Vasil Kisil & Partners), Maria Kostytska (Winston & Strawn LLP), Olga Kuchmiienko (Ukrainian Bar Association), Irina Paliashvili (RULG - Ukrainian Legal Group), and Alvaro Galindo (Georgetown University Law Center), the event brought together international legal and business experts to explore the path forward for the bilateral deal to establish the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund.
Oleg Alyoshin, partner at Vasil Kisil & Partners, provided an in-depth analysis of the legal challenges and implications of the deal for Ukraine. Mr. Alyoshin explained potential risks accompanying application of Articles 7, 8 of the mineral deal (investment opportunity rights and offtake rights). Particularly, he addressed the necessity to amend Law of Ukraine “On production sharing agreements” to harmonize legislation.
Speakers discussed their experience with disputes arising from production sharing agreements, highlighting the legal pitfalls that may arise in their implementation. In this context, while the signing of the mineral deal is expected to encourage investment in Ukraine, a strong legal framework is essential to prevent potential disputes.
YAYAH Academy Workshop: Witness Preparation
On June 3, LIDW featured a special event: the YAYAH Academy Workshop dedicated to witness preparation approaches and features. This interactive workshop offered an exploration of effective strategies for preparing witnesses. The sessions compared and contrasted approaches to witness preparation across various jurisdictions, particularly highlighting the distinct nuances between civil and common law systems. Discussions covered best practices for developing compelling testimonies, alongside methods for avoiding common pitfalls that can compromise credibility. A notable segment addressed the ethical boundaries between effective preparation and improper coaching – a highly debated topic within the legal community. This workshop reinforced that successful witness preparation is a nuanced process, demanding tailored strategies that respect jurisdictional differences and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
The Procedural Order 1 Playbook: Strategy, Structure and Pitfalls
The "PO 1 Playbook" session took place on June 3, and was co-organised by practitioners from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, YAWP (Young Arbitral Women Practitioners), Young MUTE OFF Thursdays, London VYAP, and Singapore VYAP. The panel explored why Procedural Order No. 1 is far more than administrative housekeeping—it's a strategic tool that shapes the entire arbitration process.
The panel demonstrated how PO 1 requirements differ significantly between commercial and investment arbitrations, emphasizing the need for case-specific drafting rather than standard templates.
Additionally, the experts discussed persistent issues in document management and shared innovative approaches to streamline production processes from the outset, potentially saving time and costs throughout the proceedings.
Moreover, the session examined practical applications for artificial intelligence integration at the PO 1 stage, addressing both opportunities and risks while establishing frameworks for responsible implementation.
Last but not least, the discussion highlighted that PO 1 serves as the procedural backbone of arbitration, directly impacting efficiency and due process. Getting it right from the start can prevent costly disputes and delays later in the process.
For arbitration practitioners and businesses facing international disputes, this session highlighted why early procedural planning—guided by experienced counsel—is essential for successful outcomes.
Conclusions
The London International Disputes Week 2025 delivered practical insights for practitioners navigating everything from AI in arbitration to new approaches for managing cross-border conflicts. For Ukrainian practitioners, LIDW 2025 provided valuable insights into international best practices while offering a platform to contribute their expertise. The active participation of Ukrainian legal professionals in these discussions reflects the country's growing integration into the global dispute resolution community and its commitment to maintaining international legal standards.
Authors: Yulia Adamovych, Taisa Poetova, Vsevolod Mazurenko