Modern society faces a number of complex problems related to the legal protection of land resources. In the Russian Federation, this issue is particularly relevant, given the large territory of the country and the variety of natural conditions. Proper organization and effective functioning of the system of legal protection of lands are an integral part of ensuring environmental sustainability and socio-economic development of the state. However, there are a number of problems that interfere with the full operation of this system. Insufficient effectiveness of control over the use of land resources, illegal actions to transfer land from one category to another, as well as lack of responsibility for violation of land legislation – all this hinders the achievement of the goals of legal protection of land in the Russian Federation. In this article, the main problems of the existing system of legal protection of land in Russia will be considered, as well as possible ways and prospects for their solution are proposed. Special attention will be paid not only to the analysis of existing shortcomings, but also to identifying the causes of their occurrence in order to propose comprehensive measures to strengthen the legal protection of land resources in the Russian Federation. The correct solution of these problems is a key factor for ensuring the sustainable development of the country and preserving the natural wealth of our lands.