Russian Supreme Court Chair Touts Domestic Justice System in RBC Article

Igor Krasnov argues Russian courts offer more impartiality, predictability, and lower costs compared to foreign jurisdictions.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:03pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty Russian courthouse interior with high ceilings, wood paneling, and large windows allowing warm, dramatic lighting to pour in, creating a sense of solemnity and timelessness.The Russian judicial system's emphasis on impartiality and predictability aims to position it as an alternative to Western-dominated international courts.NYC Today

Igor Krasnov, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, published an article in RBC newspaper where he detailed the advantages of the Russian judicial system compared to international courts. Krasnov argued that Russian courts follow the classical principles of Roman law, providing a more impartial and predictable process, with lower costs, than foreign jurisdictions which have become increasingly politicized.

Why it matters

Krasnov's article is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to promote the Russian legal system as a favorable alternative to Western courts, particularly as tensions between Russia and the West have escalated. This reflects Russia's desire to assert its own judicial sovereignty and reduce the influence of international legal institutions that have at times ruled against Russian interests.

The details

In the article, Krasnov stated that unlike foreign courts, the Russian judicial system adheres to the 'forum regit processum' principle of Roman law, where the procedural rules are determined by the country administering justice rather than the nationalities of the participants. He argued this makes the Russian system more impartial and predictable, with lower costs for litigation compared to jurisdictions like London or New York. Krasnov also claimed the Russian courts are less politicized and treat economic disputes primarily as legal matters rather than geopolitical elements.

  • The article was published on April 9, 2026 in the RBC newspaper.

The players

Igor Krasnov

The Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation who published the article promoting the Russian judicial system.

RBC

The Russian business media outlet that published Krasnov's article.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike in foreign jurisdictions, justice in Russia remains more impartial and predictable.”

— Igor Krasnov, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation

“The Russian system can be compared to a chess game, where the pieces are visible, the rules are transparent, and the decision-making field is limited by clear logic.”

— Igor Krasnov, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation

The takeaway

Krasnov's article reflects Russia's efforts to promote its judicial system as a more favorable alternative to Western courts, which it sees as increasingly politicized. This is part of a broader push by Russia to assert its own legal sovereignty and reduce the influence of international legal institutions that have at times ruled against Russian interests.