Month: February 2026
The winter of 2026 has been a real challenge for Ukrainians. Constant attacks by Russian forces, destroyed infrastructure, severe frosts… At moments like these, you truly realise how important it is to stand by one another and offer support.
That is why the Government of Yuliia Svyrydenko launched a targeted assistance programme for those who need it most. The largest state-owned enterprises joined the initiative — and SE “Forests of Ukraine” is among them.
The organisation of the process and the formation of the beneficiary lists were ensured by the Department of Social Protection of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, while the team of the Eastern Branch of SE “Forests of Ukraine” made sure that the warmth of these packages reached people as quickly as possible.
For us, this is not just a humanitarian initiative. It is about care. About warmth that can be passed from hand to hand. About the feeling that you are not alone.
The “warm packages” will be delivered to people with limited mobility, citizens facing difficult life circumstances, persons with disabilities, and elderly people living alone — those for whom this winter has been especially hard.
The first batch of aid has already been delivered to the residents of Zaporizhzhia — a city of strong and unbreakable people. And in every package there are not only essential items, but also a part of our gratitude, respect and sincere support.
Together we will endure. Together we will keep each other warm!
The participants of the meeting noted the successful completion of certification audits at the beginning of last year under the conditions of the reorganization of the enterprise’s structure and the full-scale war. The forest districts ensured compliance with FSC requirements in challenging circumstances.
As a result for 2025:
SE “Forests of Ukraine” managed to almost fully restore FSC certification after a large-scale structural reorganization (FSC certificates were restored for more than 97% of the previously certified areas). Preparation for the certification of some forest districts in the South was initiated for the first time.
Representatives of SE “Forests of Ukraine” actively participated in trainings, educational events, and webinars conducted by FSC Ukraine experts. Forestry professionals mastered best global environmental protection practices and learned how to apply FSC requirements in their day-to-day management activities.
Forest districts can actively apply a clear mechanism for excluding territories contaminated with explosive hazards from the scope of certification without losing certification status for the remaining areas.
A joint media tour based at the branch “Carpathian Forest Office” made it possible to demonstrate real practices of responsible forest management.
“Modern challenges facing the forestry sector and society as a whole require greater efforts and coordination in finding appropriate solutions. We value cooperation with SE ‘Forests of Ukraine’ as a reliable partner in promoting responsible forest management. We have an excellent opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues related to communicating and раскрыти values of FSC for all stakeholders while taking into account the balance of their interests,” noted Pavlo Kravets, National Representative of FSC in Ukraine.
Representatives of FSC Ukraine reminded of the Government’s decision to increase the area of certified forests by 10% in 2025–2027. Expanding certified areas will contribute to the implementation of the State Forest Management Strategy until 2035, as FSC certification ensures responsible forest use in line with environmental, social, and economic requirements.
Priority cooperation plans of SE “Forests of Ukraine” and FSC for 2026:
– Work in the field of forest certification with forest districts that have territories potentially contaminated with explosive hazards;
– Implementation of FSC certification regulatory support in the context of EUDR requirements;
– Joint dialogue with all stakeholders: environmentalists, communities, and authorities to prevent conflict situations;
– Advantages of FSC international membership for the forestry sector of Ukraine.
“I would like to sincerely thank every member of the FSC Ukraine team for promoting responsible forest management in Ukraine. Our ambitious goal is to ensure 100% certification of the enterprise’s managed areas. Everyone is committed to constructive work,” emphasized Yurii Bolokhovets, Head of SE “Forests of Ukraine”.
The government’s Made in Ukraine policy, led by Yuliia Svyrydenko, comprises around fifteen programs aimed at developing Ukrainian producers. In 2025, 72,000 Ukrainian enterprises benefited from state support.
“Forests of Ukraine” is ready to contribute to supporting domestic production.
We propose increasing the investment plan of SE “Forests of Ukraine” for 2026 to UAH 4.1 billion. Of this amount, UAH 2.1 billion is for goods and services that can be supplied by Ukrainian manufacturers. This was announced today by the company’s head, Yurii Bolokhovets.
We will start with the procurement of firefighting equipment. UAH 380 million, or 95% of the planned funds, can remain within the Ukrainian economy. Ukraine produces almost everything needed for fire prevention and response — from large fire engines and modules, video monitoring towers to water tanks, ploughs for mineralized firebreaks, and protective clothing.
Investments in reforestation equipment amount to UAH 80 million. Most of the required tools (disc harrows, mulchers, seeders, etc.) can be supplied by Ukrainian manufacturers.
Unfortunately, modern logging machinery (harvesters, forwarders, skidders, etc.) is not manufactured in Ukraine. We plan to deliver this equipment directly, without intermediaries, from manufacturing plants in European countries. At the same time, we are ready to purchase Ukrainian-made trailers and semi-trailers, as well as low-bed trailers for transporting special equipment, totaling over UAH 100 million.
More than UAH 621 million has been allocated this year for the construction of forest roads. Roads mean increased harvesting volumes, improved fire prevention, and reduced logistics costs. The work is carried out either by the enterprise’s own teams or by Ukrainian contractors using local (!) materials — crushed stone, gravel-sand mixtures, cement, and more. All of this is Ukrainian production!
An important area of the company’s development is the expansion of a network of modern forest seed centers, which enable the production of world-class seedlings and significantly improve the efficiency of reforestation efforts. The investment volume is UAH 270 million, of which 90% comprises goods and services offered by Ukrainian manufacturers.
Next month, the Procurement Department of SE “Forests of Ukraine” plans to hold a Supplier Day, presenting the company’s investment programs and planned procurements for 2026–2027 to the business community. We expect feedback on technical specifications, potential “barriers,” and the level of competition.
Our goal is maximum transparency, openness, and predictability in procurement, strengthening trust in public procurement, ensuring equal competitive conditions, and expanding the pool of potential participants.
