Key figures in the case
| Indicator | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Area to be returned | over 64 hectares | Zhdeniivska hromada |
| Total seized | over 220 hectares | enclosed by a fence |
| Contract term | 49 years | transferred in 2013 |
| Suspects | 6 officials | indictments in courts |
| One more suspect | 1 | a pre-trial investigation is ongoing |
| Asset transfer | in November 2025 | management «Vedmezha dibrova» |
More than 64 hectares to be returned to the state
The court ordered a company to return more than 64 hectares of forest to the state on the territory of Zhdeniivska hromada. These are parts of lands that were used for purposes other than their designated use, and long-term temporary forest use contracts have been rescinded.
For the local community this means these plots should remain in state ownership. The ruling in favour of the state paves the way to restoring control over forest resources and taking further steps to protect the woodland.
Over 220 hectares were seized unlawfully
According to the investigation, more than 220 hectares of forest were unlawfully seized and fenced off. This information is presented in the official statement of the investigators with a link to an online source.
According to the investigation, these plots were previously handed to private companies in 2013 for recreational purposes. In practice the territory was used by the family of a former member of parliament and the contractual conditions were not fulfilled.
49 years as the contract term
In 2013 the plots were transferred to private companies for 49 years for recreational use. Such a long term allowed prolonged use of the land for the construction of a sports and wellness complex.
However, the court found that the designated use was not respected. For that reason the contracts were terminated as they enabled illegal use of the forest rather than the delivery of public recreational projects.
Six officials named in indictments
Alongside the return of the land, courts are considering indictments against six officials who at various times were responsible for forest protection. They are accused of unauthorised land occupation, abuse of power and official negligence that caused serious consequences.
One more suspect remains under pre-trial investigation. The outcome of the court proceedings may affect future decisions on the management of the forest plots and the accountability of officials.
Transfer of the complex to management in November 2025 and consequences for investors
In November 2025 Natsionalne ahentstvo z rozshuku ta menedzhmentu aktyviv transferred the sports-residential health complex «Vedmezha dibrova», which belonged to former member of parliament Viktor Medvedchuk, into management. This was a formal step to place the asset under management pending final resolution of the legal issues.
For a typical investor this matter matters because market valuations are affected not only by the direct value of assets but also by the legal clarity of ownership. It is worth recalling that a bond is a debt security and yield is the profit an investor expects. Domestic government bonds (OVDP) are state securities. If court disputes continue in a region, this increases the risks for infrastructure projects and can affect investor interest in local assets.
