The aim of this study is to analyze the dispute resolution procedures envisaged by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The article focuses on trade disputes where Russia acts as a defendant. The disputes concern the vehicle recycling fee introduced by the Russian Federation. The principal conclusion is that despite the fact that the procedures and deadlines for resolving trade disputes are governed by the WTO Arrangements, the deadlines for resolution are delayed and the final reports of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) are actually losing their effectiveness. It means that the WTO does not have the efficient tools to influence its members, hence the member states may ignore requests for advice from other countries. Some political aspects can be traced in the trade disputes in question, which contradicts the essence and significance of the WTO’s dispute resolution institution as well as the WTO’s role as an international organization. It is worth mentioning that the disputes in question were resolved almost without the participation of the DSB.
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