Lifting the freeze on bank accounts

Freezing funds in bank accounts halts payments, wages and contract performance. For a business that is often more painful than the proceedings themselves, which is why it needs an immediate response.

When to get in touch

• the accounts of a company or an individual have been blocked
• the freeze makes it impossible to pay wages and mandatory charges
• the amount frozen greatly exceeds the possible loss in the case
• the freeze has been applied to accounts unconnected with the proceedings

What the lawyer does

• establishes the basis for the block and obtains a copy of the ruling
• analyses whether the freeze is well founded and proportionate
• prepares a motion to lift the freeze or reduce its scope
• sets out the case for allowing current payments to go through
• represents the client at the hearing
• liaises with the bank on how the ruling is to be applied

Legal basis

Freezing funds in accounts is a form of seizure of assets: Article 170 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine; the procedure for lifting it is set out in Article 174.

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

Frequently asked questions

Can accounts be unblocked in part?

The law allows the scope of a freeze to be revisited; the defence sets out which specific transactions are necessary.

What should a business do first?

Obtain a copy of the ruling and assess its scope. Without that document there is no way to know where the restrictions begin and end.

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