On October 10, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law that provides for responsibility for the storage and use of firewood without documents on its origin. If the law is signed by the president, this new norm could significantly affect the everyday practices of Ukrainians, especially in rural areas, where firewood is the main source of heat.
Lawyer Oleksiy Kinebas told Suspilno in a comment that if the law enters into force, all residents of villages in the Chernihiv region can become offenders.
He stated that someone faces a fine, and someone faces criminal liability.
"A new article was added to the Criminal Code and the Administrative Code - illegal storage of wood. Now there can be either administrative or criminal liability simply for storage, transportation or sale. For example, two people, a couple, store firewood worth more than 30,000 hryvnias, they do not have documents where they bought this firewood. Criminal responsibility is provided for from five to seven years," the lawyer said.
If the damage due to illegal felling or damage to trees and shrubs is classified as significant, the lawyer explains, it can result in a fine of 34,000 hryvnias, up to five years in prison. It all depends on the value of the damaged wood and the circumstances.
If the destruction of trees and shrubs is classified as causing grave consequences under martial law, the punishment is more severe, explained Kinebas.
