UKRAINIAN forests could be mass felled and the timber sold off to make money for the Russian Army. 

That's according to Ukraine's military intelligence, which claims Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu sent a letter to president Vladimir Putin asking for permission to start the project. 

The Kyiv Independent, an English-language website, shared the contents of documents published by government officials this morning. 

READ MORE: Russia threatens ban on wood exports to 'unfriendly countries' including US and UK

“All forests in the temporarily occupied territories are at the highest risk,” Ukraine’s intelligence said.

The original post on Telegram read: "The [letter] aims to obtain a permit for the total felling of Ukrainian 'forests, trees, shrubs and greenery'. 

"It is planned to cut down 'any intensity and any age, regardless of ownership and category of land with the right to use the resulting wood'." 

According to the Timber Trade Portal, Ukraine has around 3.4 million hectares of productive forests, which are worth more than $1.5 billion to the country's economy. 

The post added: "At the same time, the letter states that wood not used for the needs of the Russian Armed Forces will be sold, and the proceeds will go to support the occupying army." 

Forestry Journal: President Putin has allegedly been asked to begin the move President Putin has allegedly been asked to begin the move

The potential move comes amid Russian plans to ban all of its wood exports to "unfriendly countries", such as the UK and US, and a number of measures against Putin's regime. These include multiple forestry firms, including John Deere, pausing all trade in Russia and its timber losing its PEFC-certified status. 

READ MORE: Russian invasion of Ukraine: Ponsse and Komatsu suspend all trade to nation

A PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) statement earlier this month read: "PEFC is extremely concerned about the Russian government's attack on Ukraine.

"The military invasion is in direct opposition to our core values. This aggression causes unspeakable and unacceptable pain and death to innocent people, including women and children."