Ukrainians who left the country with utility bills in arrears may have their accounts frozen: details

Debtors of utility services, even abroad, may face account freezing. Find out how the debt collection mechanism works and how to protect yourself while living outside Ukraine

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Ukrainians who temporarily or permanently reside abroad but have debts for utility services in Ukraine may be subject to enforcement proceedings. This was officially announced by Inna Kuchuk, head of the legal department of the joint venture Energozbut, Kyivteploenergo, during a press briefing on the debts of Kyiv residents. According to her, non-payment of debts to heat, water, or electricity suppliers does not exempt the debtor from liability, even if they are no longer in Ukraine.

Therefore, Ukrainians abroad will be subject to the same sanctions as citizens who remain within the country: seizure of bank accounts, initiation of enforcement proceedings, and collection through state or private enforcement services.

Seizure of accounts for utility debts: how does it work?

Inna Kuchuk notes that a significant number of citizens turn to the company after the court decision has been made and their bank accounts have been seized. In such a situation, the possibility of an amicable settlement becomes much more difficult.

After the court decision is made, the process is transferred to the executive service. It is no longer possible to reach an agreement without the involvement of this authority. Even if the debtor submits a statement of intent to conclude a settlement agreement, this does not stop the enforcement of the court decision.

“Many people believe that they will write a statement, we will conclude a settlement agreement, and their case will not be referred to the enforcement service. This is not the case,” emphasizes the representative of Kyivteploenergo.

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Is it possible to conclude a settlement agreement after court?

According to current legislation, even after a court decision has been issued, it is theoretically possible to conclude a settlement agreement. However, this can only be done through the enforcement service. Ignoring the debt or attempting to negotiate directly with the service provider after the enforcement procedure has been initiated will not work — the enforcement service is obliged to enforce the court decision.

That is why experts advise not to delay and to act proactively: upon receiving a notice of debt, contact the supplier rather than wait for a court decision.

How to avoid having your accounts frozen while abroad?

Citizens who are planning a long stay outside Ukraine or have already left should check in advance whether they have any debts and, if necessary, settle them. It is important to understand that the seizure of accounts does not depend on geography — Ukrainian banks enforce the decisions of enforcement services regardless of the client's location.

If enforcement proceedings are initiated, the relevant authorities may submit requests to banking institutions regarding the existence of the debtor's accounts. If any are found, they will be blocked.

Reminder for Ukrainians: If you are outside Ukraine and are concerned about the safety of your property, take care of it in advance. You can insure your apartment or house online through the Visit Ukraine portal. Express property insurance is inexpensive, convenient, and reliable, especially if you are unable to constantly monitor the situation on site. By the way, we explained in detail how to insure property if its owner is abroad in our previous article.

We remind you! New categories for deferral from mobilization have appeared in the Reserve+ app. Read our previous article to find out who can now apply for deferral online, what conditions must be met, and what changes will be made to the app's functionality in the near future.

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