Ukraine to Penalize Unauthorized Collection of Fallen Branches in Parks from 2026.

New Regulations for Ukraine's Green Spaces

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine's Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development has approved new rules for the maintenance of green spaces, which will take effect in 2026. These regulations prohibit the unauthorized collection of fallen branches and deadwood in public parks and gardens. This policy is designed to conserve natural resources and protect urban green zones from unsanctioned activity, reflecting a broader European trend towards stricter environmental stewardship in cities.

Fines for Violating the Rules

Under the new rules, ordinary citizens caught collecting deadwood without permission will face fines ranging from 170 to 510 Ukrainian hryvnias. Fines for officials and entrepreneurs will be steeper, set between 510 and 850 hryvnias. More severe financial penalties are stipulated for the destruction of protective green belts along rivers, roads, or railways. For such offenses, citizens could be fined 510 to 765 hryvnias, while officials may face penalties from 1,020 to 1,530 hryvnias.

Criminal liability is triggered when the damage caused exceeds 20 times the non-taxable minimum income. In these serious cases, fines can range from 17,000 to 34,000 hryvnias, or may result in a prison sentence of three to seven years. This underscores the government's intent to enforce these environmental protections rigorously.

The ban extends beyond just gathering branches to also prohibit:

• damaging trees, shrubs, lawns, and flower beds;
• carrying out any work without official authorization;
• collecting branches, wood, leaves, or grass;
• dumping or storing waste in unauthorized areas.

Parks, gardens, alleys, and other green zones are considered public amenities, and their protection is a key aspect of the nation's environmental policy.

This new regulatory framework highlights the growing focus of the Ukrainian government on ecological issues and the need to safeguard natural resources. The introduction of fines and potential criminal charges emphasizes that environmental protection is a priority and that violations will be met with serious consequences. It is anticipated that these measures will help improve the country's ecological situation and preserve green spaces for future generations.