Ukraine Partially Resumes Unplanned Land Inspections Under Martial Law

Unplanned Land Inspections Restart in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Ukrainian government has authorized a partial resumption of unplanned inspections to enforce land-use laws, which had been restricted under martial law. This policy change was enacted by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 121, dated January 28, 2026, as announced by the State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre (StateGeoCadastre). The resolution amends previous regulations and updates the legal grounds for state oversight. This move reflects the ongoing effort to balance regulatory enforcement with the extraordinary conditions of war.

Reasons for Restarting Inspections

The resumption of inspections follows recent legislative amendments approved by the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers. Specifically, the StateGeoCadastre stated:

“Due to legislative changes approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the possibility of conducting unplanned state control measures regarding the use and protection of land under martial law has been partially restored.”

The StateGeoCadastre clarified that a decision to launch an inspection is made in response to an application from a private individual. Valid grounds for an inspection now include:

• a complaint from a private individual regarding a violation that has caused harm to their rights, legal interests, life, health, the environment, or state security;
• a court order;
• a voluntary request from a business entity;
• a follow-up inspection to verify compliance with previous enforcement orders;
• a direct instruction from the Prime Minister in cases of systemic violations or events with significant negative impact.

Furthermore, additional grounds for an inspection are:

• an application from a private individual accompanied by evidence;
• the existence of a direct threat to human life;
• the need to fulfill Ukraine's international obligations;
• industrial accidents, fires, and workplace fatalities.

Consequently, the new rules aim to facilitate more effective monitoring of land law compliance during wartime. This partial restoration of oversight is a significant step toward upholding land-use regulations in Ukraine, particularly under martial law where controlling land use is critically important. It may help prevent violations, protect citizens' rights, and ensure the country meets its international commitments, serving as a key component in restoring legal order and stability during a period of national crisis.