Contract disputes

A contract dispute usually begins long before court — with loose wording in the contract itself. We work both at the drafting stage and once the conflict has arisen.

When to get in touch

• a counterparty is not performing, or is performing improperly
• a contract needs to be terminated or varied
• a contract is being challenged, or there are grounds to have it declared invalid
• the circumstances the parties assumed when contracting have changed substantially

What the lawyer does

• analyses the contract and records the breach
• prepares the letter of demand and negotiates a settlement
• prepares a claim for performance, termination or a declaration of invalidity
• makes the case for varying or terminating the contract on a substantial change of circumstances
• calculates and recovers losses and contractual penalties
• advises on contractual risk at the drafting stage

Legal basis

Freedom of contract and the general rules are set out in Articles 626 and 627 of the Civil Code of Ukraine; variation and termination in Article 651, and on a substantial change of circumstances in Article 652. The consequences of breach of an obligation are set out in Article 611, and compensation for losses in Article 22.

Legislation and case law are updated over time; this page reflects the position as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can a contract be terminated unilaterally?

Only in the cases provided for by the contract or by statute; otherwise by agreement of the parties or by court decision (Article 651 of the Civil Code).

Is a change of circumstances a ground for revisiting a contract?

Where the combination of conditions in Article 652 of the Civil Code is met, the court may vary or terminate the contract.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.