“Up to 5 years: Ukrainians could face prison for storing firewood without documents proving its origin”, – lawyer says

Ukrainians may face prison time for storing firewood without documents proving its origin.

This provision is included in a law passed by the Verkhovna Rada on October 10, though it has not yet been signed by the president.

Lawyer Oleksiy Kinebas explained to journalists that if the law comes into force, all rural residents in Chernihiv Oblast could potentially become offenders. He stated that some might face fines, while others could face criminal charges.

“A new article has been added to the Criminal Code and Administrative Code—illegal storage of wood. Now, there may be either administrative or criminal liability simply for storing, transporting, or selling firewood. For example, if two people, a married couple, store firewood worth over 30,000 UAH (670 euro) without documents proving where they bought it, they could face criminal liability from five to seven years,” the lawyer explained.

Kinebas further stated that if the damage caused by illegal logging or harm to trees and shrubs is classified as significant, penalties could range from a 34,000 UAH (758 euros) fine up to five years of imprisonment, depending on the value of the damaged wood and the circumstances.

If the destruction of trees and shrubs is deemed to have caused severe consequences under martial law, stricter punishment is prescribed, Kinebas added.

It’s also worth noting that in October, Ukraine increased fines for gathering berries and mushrooms by 50 times.