Potential petroleum source rocks in the northwestern part of the Dniepr-Donets Basin occur in Devonian and Lower Carboniferous intervals. Standard techniques (Leco, Rock-Eval, microscopy) were applied to assess the source potential of 283 samples from 8 wells. Devonian, Tournaisian, and Lower Visean horizons contain varying TOC contents. Along the basin axis these rocks are overmature. Thus it is impossible to assess their original source potential. Rudov Beds, up to 70 m thick, are located at the base of the Upper Visean section. In the studied boreholes, Rudov Beds are mature. Average TOC content is 5%. HI values are up to 150 mgHC/gTOC. The original organic matter had been a gas-prone kerogen type III(-II). The source potential is classified as good to very good. Many samples contain solid bitumen. Upper Visean rocks (excl. Rudov Beds) are mature and show TOC contents up to 5%. There is a general upward decrease in TOC. Rock-Eval and maceral analyses classify the organic matter as kerogen type III. The source potential of the Upper Visean interval is locally good. Serpukhovian rocks are immature (to marginal mature). Most samples contain relatively low TOC contents and a kerogen type III-II, which classify the source rock potential as poor to fair. In contrast, some wells contain intervals, several metres thick, with very good oil-prone source rocks. Oil-prone sapropelic rocks overlying coal seams are also present.