In Volyn, a community leader resigned after being notified of charges against her
On August 7, the head of a community in Volyn resigned after being served with a notice of suspicion in a case involving illegal logging. The official denies any involvement in the crime she is accused of.
Oksana Pitsyk, head of the Smidyn community in the Kovel district, resigned early after being named a suspect in a case involving illegal logging.
Oksana Pitsyk confirmed that she was notified of the charges against her as part of criminal proceedings, but she does not agree with the allegations. According to her, she resigned from her position as community head on August 5.
According to the Volyn Regional Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect entered into lease agreements with a businessman for 43 land plots near the village of Lisnyaky in the Kovel District, knowing that they were forested and would be used for illegal logging.
Investigators claim that the community head also issued a certificate that created the appearance of legality for the work.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, more than 4,200 trees worth nearly 3 million hryvnias were illegally cut down on some of these land plots, the prosecutor’s office reported.
Oksana Pitsyk was notified of charges under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—abuse of official position—as well as under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—aiding and abetting illegal logging, which resulted in serious consequences. She faces up to 7 years in prison.
The businessman who leased the land plots is charged with illegal logging resulting in serious consequences. The penalty under this article ranges from 5 to 7 years of imprisonment.
Source: Suspilne
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