Fines Up to 25,000: Where in Ukraine It's Illegal to Collect Fallen Trees for Firewood

New Firewood Harvesting Rules and Penalties for 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: Starting in 2026, unauthorized collection of firewood from forests or protective forest belts could result in substantial fines or even criminal charges. This legal framework is part of broader efforts to manage Ukraine's natural resources sustainably. Lawyers clarify that timber which has fallen on private property is not an issue, as owners are free to use it. However, trees that have fallen in forests, parks, along roadsides, or within protective belts-even if they were brought down by wind or are already dry-are considered state or communal property.

Gathering such wood without a formal timber harvesting permit or authorization from the forestry authority is a violation of the law. As lawyer Oleh Kozliak explains:

“Collecting timber without a logging ticket or forestry permit is considered a breach of legislation.”

Furthermore, using a chainsaw to cut up fallen trunks also requires possession of this permit. The logging ticket is issued to official forest users, such as state forestry enterprises, to help monitor and control forest regeneration.

Consequences for Violating Wood Harvesting Regulations

Breaking these rules carries serious consequences. In 2026, administrative fines for minor infractions can start from 102 hryvnias for individuals, rising to 5,100 hryvnias for officials. For cutting wood in protective forest belts, citizens face fines of up to 680 hryvnias. Under criminal liability, as per Article 246 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, penalties can range from 17,000 to 25,500 hryvnias, and may include restriction or deprivation of liberty for up to three years. The offender is also obligated to compensate the state for damages, which often far exceed the fine amounts.

Without special permits, individuals are only allowed to collect:

• pine needles and fallen leaves;
• bark that has peeled off naturally;
• small, dry branches already lying on the ground.

Therefore, strict adherence to the established rules is crucial to avoid severe legal repercussions.

These legislative changes reflect a growing focus on protecting forest resources and ecological security in Ukraine. The implementation of stricter sanctions for unauthorized wood harvesting aims not only to shield forests from illegal activity but also to promote responsible public attitudes toward natural resources. The regulations governing timber collection are designed to ensure a balanced approach to using forest resources and their regeneration, which is critically important in the context of modern climate change and environmental challenges.