With the onset of the cold season, the issue of harvesting firewood for private homeowners becomes especially relevant. However, in 2026, the current legislation of Ukraine establishes strict rules that exclude the possibility of uncontrolled forest logging or the appropriation of deadwood for personal needs without prior execution of permitting documents.
Legal Status of Forest Resources and the Ban on Self-Harvesting
The State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine reminds citizens that they do not have the right to independently go into the forest with a saw or an ax to harvest timber. Although the law allows the free collection of wild grasses, berries, mushrooms, and nuts for personal consumption in forests, timber harvesting does not apply to such resources. Any use of the forest fund requires a special document—a logging ticket or forest ticket—issued by authorized bodies.
The Myth of Deadwood and Fallen Trees
The widespread belief that a tree that has fallen from the wind or dried out can be freely taken from the forest is erroneous. The State Ecological Inspection emphasizes that a dead trunk or windthrow does not become "ownerless." The permanent forest user owns all the timber on the plot, including fallen branches and brushwood. An attempt to independently take such fallen wood is classified as an offense unless prior consent from the plot owner has been obtained.
Administrative and Criminal Liability for Illegal Logging
Serious liability is provided for violating the rules of harvesting, transporting, or storing timber. According to Article 65 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (CUAO), fines for citizens range from 510 to 1020 hryvnias, and for officials—from 2550 to 5100 hryvnias. In addition, the violator is obliged to fully compensate for the damage caused to the environment. In cases where significant damage is caused or repeated violations in protected areas are concerned, criminal liability arises under Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Features of Firewood Harvesting in Frontline Regions and Legality Verification
For residents of territories where hostilities are or have been conducted, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine by Resolution No. 861 provided a special procedure for the gratuitous collection of fuel wood. Such collection is possible exclusively under the control of the forest user, at established hours, and subject to safety measures. When buying firewood, experts recommend checking its origin through the specialized LIAC system by entering the vehicle license plate number to verify waybills.
