Government simplifies felling procedures for defence and fortification needs in border regions

Ukraine is speeding up the construction of defensive lines and engineered barriers in border areas. The Defence Forces will now be able to create natural barriers and clear strips quickly, without waiting on bureaucratic approvals.

"As the operational situation changes, the Defence Forces must be able to build the necessary defensive lines and engineering structures as quickly as possible. Our task is to remove unnecessary procedural delays where national security and defence are concerned, while ensuring clear rules for carrying out this work," stressed Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi.

In particular, the review period for documents required to issue a felling permit in the border zone has been shortened. If the work is needed to build, equip and maintain engineering and fortification structures, fences, border markers, clearings and related infrastructure, a decision on issuing the permit will be made within two working days of receiving the application.

The resolution also regulates emergency felling in the event of a change in the operational situation. Defence Forces units will be able to cut down and remove trees and shrubs to create defensive lines, natural barriers and obstacles to enemy movement without a felling permit. Where necessary, they may also do so without prior inspections by commissions. This applies to areas of active hostilities and to areas designated by decision of the regional defence council in regions that border the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

The resolution will make it possible to carry out the necessary work faster in areas where the security situation requires it, including border districts.