‘Firewood law’ does not differentiate between household storage and illegal timber for commercial use - Bolokhovets

The draft law, No.9665, which aims to combat illegal logging and timber sales, contains clauses that allow for different interpretations. In particular, the legislation does not distinguish between the concepts of household storage of firewood and the use of illegal wood for commercial purposes.

This opinion was expressed by Yurii Bolokhovets, Director General of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," in an interview with Ukrinform.

He believes that liability for private sawmills that purchase wood from illegal loggers should be increased. Bolokhovets stresses that this is a serious issue, as even after the perpetrators are arrested, the courts frequently release the detainees.

At the same time, there are instances when people uproot old gardens or cut down extra trees in their yards.

“In such cases, individuals should not be regarded as intruders. Accordingly, the stance of the Prosecutor General's Office is a fair and reasonable one. "We hope that the revised document will be approved," Bolokhovets added.

As reported, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the President of Ukraine would not sign the draft law on fines for firewood storage.