The government has approved a fine of up to 51,000 hryvnias for illegally entering military facilities
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a bill that imposes administrative liability for unauthorized entry onto military facilities. The proposed fines for such violations range from 8,500 to 51,000 hryvnias, depending on the circumstances. The bill must now be considered by the Verkhovna Rada, and after its adoption, it must still be signed by the president.
The bill was drafted by the Ministry of Defense. The document proposes adding a new article to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses that would establish liability for unauthorized entry onto military facilities.
For a standard violation, the proposed fine ranges from 500 to 1,000 non-taxable minimum incomes. In monetary terms, this ranges from 8,500 to 17,000 hryvnias. In addition to the fine, the instruments used in the offense may be confiscated.
If a person has already been punished for the same violation within the past year, the penalty will be higher. In such a case, a fine of up to 2,000 non-taxable minimum incomes is proposed, or up to 34,000 hryvnias.
The most severe penalty is prescribed for trespassing on a military facility during a state of emergency. In this case, the fine can range from 1,000 to 3,000 non-taxable minimum incomes. The maximum amount is 51,000 hryvnias.
In other words, the amount of the fine will depend on the circumstances and whether the person has been held accountable for a similar violation in the past.
What Is a “Special Period”?
The draft law specifically addresses the so-called “special period.” This is a time when the country operates under mobilization or martial law and related measures. The “special period” includes, in particular, the operations of state agencies, local authorities, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations, and civil defense forces. It also applies to enterprises, institutions, and organizations operating under conditions of mobilization or martial law.
That is why the highest fine is proposed for trespassing on military facilities during this period. The Ministry of Defense explains the need for these changes as a requirement to strengthen the protection of military infrastructure.
Which Facilities Will Be Considered Military
The bill also defines what exactly will be considered a military facility. This includes not only military units or large areas with buildings. Such facilities may include areas where buildings, structures, and special sites are located. In particular, this refers to open storage sites for military equipment, ammunition, and other military property.
The bill also proposes classifying military vehicles, weapons, and military equipment as military facilities. The document specifically mentions buildings, structures, and premises used for military purposes. These are facilities belonging to the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces, and other components of the Defense Forces, as well as to certain government agencies specified in the bill.
How a person is supposed to know that entry is prohibited
According to the draft law, a military facility must be properly marked. Specifically, the territory may be fenced off or have appropriate signs or warning signs. Such facilities must also be guarded by military personnel or employees of paramilitary or security guard services. In other words, this does not refer to just any area where a person might accidentally wander, but rather to facilities with a defined access regime.
In this context, unauthorized entry is defined as entering a military facility without the appropriate authorization. The specific circumstances of each case must be evaluated during the proceedings.
Who Will Hear Such Cases
If the law is passed, cases involving such administrative offenses will be heard by the courts. Specifically, these will be district courts, city district courts, municipal courts, and city-district courts. In other words, the final decision on whether to hold a person accountable will not be made by the facility’s security guard or a military unit. The case materials must be forwarded to the court.
The court will also determine the specific penalty to be imposed, taking into account the circumstances of the violation. The amount of the fine provided for in the bill will depend on this.
Why Are They Seeking to Introduce This New Liability?
The Ministry of Defense explains that the changes are intended to strengthen the protection of military facilities. A separate objective is to reduce the risk of unauthorized persons gaining access to information about the location of military infrastructure. The presence of unauthorized persons in such areas can pose additional risks not only to military personnel but also to the violators themselves. Furthermore, being on the premises without permission where ammunition, equipment, or other military property is stored can be dangerous.
The Ministry of Defense also links the new rules to the need to protect information about military facilities and their infrastructure. That is why it proposes establishing a separate administrative liability.
What’s Next for the Bill
The Cabinet of Ministers has already approved the document, but this does not mean that the new fines have automatically taken effect. The bill must be reviewed by the Verkhovna Rada. Parliament may support the bill, amend it, or reject it. If the law is passed, it must be signed by the president. Only after all required procedures are completed will the new rules take effect.
Therefore, at this time, the 51,000 hryvnia fine is merely a proposal in the bill, not a current penalty. Until the law is finally adopted, the current provisions of Ukrainian law remain in effect. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense’s press service.
