Regional Prosecutors File Major Lawsuit
Prosecutors in Ukraine's Ivano-Frankivsk region have filed a lawsuit in the economic court against the state enterprise 'Forests of Ukraine.' They are demanding compensation for damages totaling nearly 387 million hryvnias (approximately $10 million USD). This claim stems from the illegal felling of over 9,000 trees within the 'Hutsulshchyna' National Park, which occurred between April and December 2022. The logging was carried out in the Yablunivske and Berezivske forestries under the guise of sanitary forest health measures, but proceeded without the required approvals and permits.
Unauthorized Operations and Repercussions
Notably, the necessary permits from the relevant ministry, the regional environmental department, and the park's scientific-technical council were never obtained. Documentation for the felling misleadingly listed the work as 'passage' or 'reformation' activities. In November 2022, Ukraine's State Forest Resources Agency decided to close the Kut Forestry Enterprise, which was subsequently absorbed into 'Forests of Ukraine.' Following this, a 'Carpathian Forestry Office' branch was established within the state enterprise.
In October 2024, this 'Carpathian Forestry Office' branch absorbed all assets, liabilities, property, and rights of the former Kut Forestry Enterprise. A separate criminal case has already been opened against officials of the Kut Forestry Enterprise. Investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation have completed their pre-trial inquiry into the management of the Kut enterprise, and an indictment has been sent to court.
Concurrently, 'Forests of Ukraine' has announced the resumption of 25 forest road construction projects in April. The total planned length of these roads is nearly 90 kilometers, with construction set to begin in the autumn of 2025. The road-building work, which was paused for the winter, is being carried out under the Carpathian, Northern, Podillia, Polissia, and Capital branches of the enterprise.
This case highlights significant challenges in forest resource management in Ukraine and the consequences of illegal activity that harms both the environment and the economy. The prosecutors' lawsuit aims not only to recover damages but also to underscore the critical need for adherence to forestry legislation.
The ongoing developments surrounding 'Forests of Ukraine' could have long-term implications for national forest policy and the ecological health of the region. This lawsuit is part of a broader effort to combat environmental crime and strengthen accountability in Ukraine's natural resource sector.
The ongoing issues surrounding illegal logging in Ukraine are not isolated incidents. A recent investigation has revealed a case involving the unlawful felling of 13,000 trees, highlighting a troubling trend in forest management practices. For a deeper understanding of the extent of these violations and the legal actions being taken, read more about this significant case involving extensive illegal logging.