DW quoted Michael Waibel, professor of international law at Cambridge University, as saying that are no factors, including Crimea's reintegration into Russia, to help Ukraine win the case.
"The current conflict is all about repaying the debt, and I doubt whether other factors can influence the court's decision", Waibel said.
He was echoed by Vasilij Izkow of the investment company Horizon Capital, who said that neither the support of international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund, nor any additional tricks will help Kiev get the better of Moscow in court.
"Russia has all chances to win the case. This is not a commercial debt and Russia has every right and all chances to get its money back. For Ukraine, there is virtually no legal way to avoid paying the debt," Izjkow said.
The Ukrainian government, in turn, imposed a moratorium on the payment of the debt, with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk declaring the government's readiness to sue Russia over the matter. Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak, for his part, expressed confidence that in case of a trial, the court will decide in favor of Russia.
