The Ukrainian court has ruled in favor of the Specialized Environmental Prosecution Office of the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office, ordering state-owned forestry company "Lisi Ukrainy" to pay nearly 2.5 million UAH ($2.5 million) in damages for illegal logging activities in the Beryslav district. According to the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office, the company conducted sanitary logging operations in the Velykooleksandrivske forestry during 2023-2024.
During an inspection of two forest areas, authorities discovered 541 pine stumps. Expert analysis determined that the damage caused by these actions amounted to nearly 2.5 million UAH. The prosecution argued that the logging operations were carried out without the required environmental impact assessment.
The court confirmed that the company's actions violated Ukraine's Sanitary Rules in Forests. At the time of the logging operations, the area was not classified as a combat zone, under occupation, or under siege, making the environmental assessment mandatory. The court fully satisfied the claim filed in the interests of the state.
As a result, "Lisi Ukrainy" is required to compensate the state for the damages caused. This case is part of a broader investigation into forestry sector abuses. In June 2026, prosecutors from the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against three forestry officials.
The officials are accused of abuse of power and illegal logging of over 2,200 trees, resulting in damages of nearly 8 million UAH to the state. The investigation and court proceedings aim to hold accountable those responsible for environmental damage and ensure that state-owned enterprises adhere to environmental regulations.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of Ukrainian authorities to combat environmental crimes and protect the country's natural resources. The ruling demonstrates the government's commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding state-owned enterprises accountable for their actions.
The decision also underscores the importance of environmental impact assessments for logging operations. The court ruling sends a signal to forestry companies that they must comply with environmental regulations to avoid similar penalties in the future.
Key points
- The Ukrainian court ordered "Lisi Ukrainy" to pay nearly $2.5 million in damages for illegal logging in the Kherson region.
- The company's actions were found to be in violation of Ukraine's Sanitary Rules in Forests and environmental regulations.
- The case is part of a broader investigation into forestry sector abuses, with three officials facing charges of abuse of power and illegal logging.
