Ukraine’s 'Silence Season' Begins April 1: What’s Banned Until June 15.

Understanding Ukraine’s 'Silence Season'

According to TSN.ua: From April 1 to June 15, 2026, Ukraine enforces its 'silence season'—a period of restricted activities designed to protect wildlife during breeding. The rules apply to anyone conducting business in natural areas, as well as tourists and local residents. This initiative is part of broader efforts to preserve biodiversity amid growing environmental pressures.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

Under Article 39 of Ukraine’s law, the following activities are banned during the silence season:

• Blasting operations;
• Shooting;
• Setting off fireworks;
• Organizing concerts and festivals;
• Holding auto racing events;
• Using motorized small vessels;
• Carrying out sanitary logging.

These measures aim to preserve natural habitats and ensure peace for wild animals during their reproductive period.

Additionally, picking or digging up rare early-blooming plants is prohibited. This includes:

• Snowdrops;
• Crocuses;
• Pasqueflowers;
• White-flowered plants;
• Wild garlic.

The ban on pike fishing ends on April 1, but catching crayfish remains prohibited until June 30, except in water bodies of the Zakarpattia region. Violating crayfish fishing rules carries a fine of 3,332 hryvnias per specimen.

Fines for breaking silence season rules are also a key aspect. For individuals, fines range from 30 to 50 tax-free minimum incomes, equivalent to 510–850 hryvnias. For officials, fines are higher—50 to 70 tax-free minimums, or 850–1,190 hryvnias. These penalties are intended to enforce compliance with nature protection standards in Ukraine.

The silence season is a critical initiative for conserving Ukraine’s biodiversity, especially given increasing human pressure on natural ecosystems. The restrictions help create favorable conditions for wildlife reproduction and protect rare plant species. Adhering to these rules is not only vital for environmental protection but also fosters greater ecological awareness among the public. Offenders face substantial fines, which serve as a deterrent to encourage responsible behavior toward the environment.