Environmental Inspectorate Declines to Investigate Forest Clearing for Wind Farm Hosting Endangered Species on Polonyna Runa

Wind Farm Construction Amid Protected Flora on Polonyna Runa

According to 5 канал: The State Environmental Inspectorate has refused to investigate the deforestation taking place for a wind farm project on Polonyna Runa, a site known for its rare and endangered plant and animal species. This project is being developed by Friendly Wind Technologies, whose ultimate owner is Maksym Yefimov, a former People's Deputy of Ukraine from the Party of Regions. Notably, the wind farm is situated at an altitude exceeding 1400 meters above sea level.

Maksym Yefimov, who previously belonged to the parliamentary group Restoration of Ukraine in the Verkhovna Rada, resigned from his mandate following the onset of the full-scale invasion but continued his business activities in Zakarpattia. According to statements by Andriy Tupikov, environmental inspections at the site revealed endangered plants, including the forest lily. Despite this, the State Environmental Inspectorate justified its refusal to conduct an inspection by citing that the complaint came from an organization rather than an individual.

Public Outcry and International Condemnation

In July, the European Parliament issued a resolution condemning the construction of wind turbines within protected areas of the Carpathians. In Ukraine, public concern has been mounting, with citizens gathering over 26,000 signatures on a petition demanding presidential protection of the Carpathian highlands and a ban on construction above 1000 meters elevation. Yet, six months have passed without an adequate response from the Presidential Office.

During the Carpathian Economic Forum on September 24, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the potential for supplying electricity to the European Union through a wind energy cluster in the Carpathian highlands. In response, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine’s EU Integration, criticized the president’s involvement, pointing to his support for wind parks in the Carpathians. She remarked,

"We learned that the wind farms in the Carpathians enjoy the president’s patronage. He presents this as European integration and a matter of national security."

Environmental groups warn of serious risks to the Carpathian highlands’ delicate ecosystem and call for halting all development above 1000 meters to preserve the unique biodiversity of the region. Andriy Tupikov emphasized the delay tactics involved, noting that court rulings have confirmed the Environmental Inspectorate’s prior responses to civil society requests. Given these ongoing challenges, the debate over wind farm construction in the Carpathians remains unresolved and demands further public and governmental scrutiny.

The controversy surrounding wind energy projects in the Carpathians has sparked widespread public debate, especially concerning environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The Inspectorate’s refusal to investigate has alarmed conservationists and local communities alike, who insist on strict adherence to ecological regulations. This issue highlights the critical need to balance Ukraine’s growing energy demands with the preservation of its natural heritage.

As concerns regarding environmental protection intensify, the recent developments in the Carpathians highlight the urgency of balancing ecological preservation with economic growth. Amidst ongoing debates, the upcoming agreements involving significant investments in the region may provide a crucial opportunity for sustainable development. Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the broader implications of current environmental policies.