On October 10, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law that provides for liability for the storage and use of firewood without documents on its origin. If signed by the president, this new norm could significantly affect the daily practices of Ukrainians, especially in rural areas, where firewood is the main source of heat.
Lawyer Oleksiy Kinebas told Suspilny in a comment that if the law comes into force, all residents of villages in the Chernihiv region could become offenders.
He stated that some people face fines, and others face criminal liability.
"A new article has been introduced into 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, and do not have documents where they bought this firewood. Criminal liability is provided for from five to seven years," the lawyer said.
If the damage caused by illegal felling or damage to trees and shrubs is classified as significant, the lawyer explains, the penalty can range from a fine of 34,000 hryvnias 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 serious consequences under martial law, the punishment is more severe, Kinebas explained.
