Farmers in frontline regions continue to face the daily challenges of war, while one of the unresolved issues remains the use of agricultural land for fortifications. Defensive structures are being built extensively on privately owned farmland without proper legal registration, leaving landowners and tenants unable to receive compensation for the use of their plots. At the same time, farmers are still required to pay rent and land taxes on land they can no longer cultivate.

This was stated by Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), who emphasized the need for the government to adopt support mechanisms for farmers as soon as possible.

"Since 2014, a significant amount of land in frontline areas has effectively been occupied by fortifications and used by the military for defense purposes. At the same time, these plots belong to farmers, either through ownership or lease agreements. Throughout this period, agricultural producers have received no compensation for the use of this land. As a result, social tensions are increasing, as people have lost the ability to cultivate their fields. This is why the UAC has developed a draft law aimed at resolving this issue," Denys Marchuk said.

This week, the Ukrainian Parliament is expected to consider Draft Law No. 14117, “On Amendments to the Land Code of Ukraine Regarding the Use of Land Easement Rights for Military Needs.”

The bill introduces a mechanism for a temporary land easement that would allow private land to be legally used for military purposes without changing its designated use. The proposed legislation also establishes procedures for registration, compensation to landowners, and land restoration after the war.

"Parliament will consider Draft Law No. 14117, which will regulate the use of land plots for fortifications without violating the rights of landowners and will enable people to receive compensation for land they can no longer use. This should provide much-needed support to producers in frontline areas. Today, government support is critically important for them," the Deputy Chairman of the UAC stressed.

In addition to the issue of fortifications, the UAC has also highlighted the need for additional support for farmers in frontline regions due to the ongoing loss of agricultural machinery caused by hostilities.

In particular, the UAC proposes expanding the state compensation program to cover not only new Ukrainian-made machinery but also the purchase of used equipment, including foreign-manufactured machinery, which is significantly more affordable and accessible for farms operating in high-risk areas.