top of page

Rules for Using Drones During Wartime in Ukraine

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are used for aerial photography, territory monitoring, agricultural operations, scientific research, and many other tasks. However, with the introduction of martial law in Ukraine, the rules governing drone operations have changed significantly. Lack of knowledge of the law or failure to comply with established restrictions can lead not only to fines but also to serious criminal liability.


In this article, we will review the current rules for using drones during wartime, who is authorized to operate UAVs, how to obtain flight permission, and what restrictions are currently in force across Ukraine.


What Changed for Drone Owners After the Start of the Full-Scale War

Before February 24, 2022, Ukrainian legislation allowed relatively free use of drones weighing up to 20 kg. For most flights, no special permits were required, provided operators complied with basic aviation safety requirements.


The main restrictions were:

  • Maximum flight altitude — up to 120 meters;

  • Maximum speed — up to 160 km/h;

  • Prohibition of flights near airports, military facilities, and strategic infrastructure;

  • Compliance with designated airspace usage zones.


The main restrictions for drone usage in Ukraine were

After the introduction of martial law, Ukraine's civilian airspace was completely closed. The simplified procedure for UAV operation effectively ceased to apply, and launching any drone without special authorization became prohibited.


Today, drone flights are permitted only with the appropriate approvals and exclusively for specific categories of users.


Rules for Using Drones During Wartime: Who Is Authorized to Operate UAVs

During martial law, drones may only be used by certain categories of individuals and organizations whose activities serve state or public interests.


Armed Forces of Ukraine

Military units use drones for reconnaissance, artillery fire adjustment, surveillance, and combat missions. Such flights are conducted according to internal military procedures.


Security Service of Ukraine and Special Services

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and other government agencies use UAVs to ensure national security, conduct special operations, and protect strategic facilities.


Volunteer Organizations

Volunteers may use drones only when cooperating with military units or territorial defense forces. Appropriate authorization from the military administration is required.


Agricultural Sector

Agricultural enterprises may use drones for:

  • Crop monitoring;

  • Fertilizer application;

  • Field spraying;

  • Crop condition assessment.


Approval from the regional military administration is required for such operations.


Media Representatives

Journalists may conduct aerial filming only if they possess accreditation and a special flight permit.


Scientific and Research Institutions

The use of drones for environmental monitoring, mapping, or scientific research is also permitted after obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.


If your activity does not fall into the categories listed above, you may still apply to the military administration with a justified request for an individual permit.


How to Obtain Permission to Use a Drone During Martial Law

The approval procedure may vary by region, but the overall process remains similar.


Step 1. Prepare the Required Documents

To submit an application, you must prepare:

  • An application stating the purpose of the flights;

  • Flight coordinates and routes;

  • Technical specifications of the drone;

  • A copy of your passport (for individuals);

  • Company registration documents (for legal entities).


If the UAV weighs more than 20 kg, additional approvals from authorized government bodies may be required.


Step 2. Submit an Application to the Regional Military Administration

Applications must be submitted to the regional military administration responsible for the area where the flights will take place. Some regions offer online submission options.


Step 3. Await Review

The application will be coordinated with relevant authorities, including territorial defense units, the Security Service of Ukraine, and other security agencies.


The standard review period ranges from 5 to 14 business days.


Step 4. Obtain Official Authorization

The permit will specify:

  • Flight area;

  • Maximum altitude;

  • Time restrictions;

  • Permit validity period;

  • Additional operating conditions.


Step 5. Comply With All Requirements

During the flight, the operator must carry a copy of the permit and comply with all specified restrictions.


Restricted Drone Flight Zones in Ukraine

Even after obtaining authorization, there are areas where drone flights may be completely prohibited or significantly restricted.


Frontline Areas

In most cases, flights near active combat zones are prohibited. The boundaries of such zones may change depending on the operational situation.


Critical Infrastructure Facilities

These include:

  • Nuclear power plants;

  • Hydroelectric power plants;

  • Thermal power plants;

  • Strategic bridges;

  • Major transportation hubs;

  • Military depots and bases.


Flights near such facilities may be regarded as a threat to national security.


Populated Areas and Locations With Large Gatherings of People

Special restrictions apply to flights over:

  • City centers;

  • Hospitals;

  • Schools;

  • Kindergartens;

  • Shopping centers;

  • Public events.


Airports and Helicopter Landing Sites

Launching drones is prohibited:

  • Within 5 km of airports;

  • Within 3 km of helicopter landing sites.


Border Areas

Flights within border zones require separate authorization from the relevant government agencies.


Liability for Violating Drone Regulations

Failure to comply with established requirements may result in serious consequences.


Administrative Liability

For flights conducted without authorization or in violation of operating conditions, penalties may include:

  • Fines;

  • Confiscation of equipment;

  • Prohibition of further UAV operation.


Criminal Liability

Particularly severe penalties apply to:

  • Unauthorized filming of military facilities;

  • Sharing information about the location of Ukrainian Armed Forces units;

  • Distributing materials that may assist the enemy;

  • Actions that pose a threat to national security.


In such cases, offenders may face actual imprisonment.


Other Consequences

In addition to fines or criminal prosecution, the following may occur:

  • Seizure of the drone;

  • Investigation by law enforcement agencies;

  • Restrictions on obtaining future flight permits.


Practical Tips for Safe Drone Use

To avoid legal issues and ensure safe operations, it is recommended to:

  1. Always check current restrictions in your region.

  2. Never launch a drone without official authorization.

  3. Avoid photographing or filming military facilities.

  4. Always carry documents for your UAV and flight permit.

  5. Monitor updates issued by military administrations and security authorities.


Today, the rules for drone usage during wartime are significantly stricter than they were before the start of the full-scale war. Ukraine currently operates under a special airspace control regime, meaning that launching a drone without authorization can lead to serious legal consequences.


If your drone use is related to volunteer activities, agriculture, journalism, or scientific research, obtaining authorization is entirely possible. The key is to follow the established procedures, comply with the requirements of military administrations, and remember that the safe use of UAVs today is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also of national security.


Planning to purchase a quadcopter for lawful use? Choose high-quality and reliable models that suit your needs, and always comply with current Ukrainian legislation.

 
 
bottom of page