Ukrainian authorities are actively discussing updates to the legislation governing civilian firearm ownership, following a series of violent incidents, including a recent shooting in Kyiv. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) organized expert consultations involving government officials, security agencies, and civil society representatives to address this pressing issue.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko announced that the discussions included members of parliament, MIA leadership, the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), and various civil organizations, including veterans and legal advocates.
Klymenko emphasized that while firearms have been partially legalized in Ukraine, existing regulations require significant updates to ensure clarity and compliance with legal standards. This initiative aligns with directives from the President of Ukraine.
Key topics of discussion included the right to self-defense, classifications of permissible firearms, conditions for civilian use, and mechanisms for confiscating weapons in cases of threatening behavior or domestic violence.
Another critical aspect addressed was the training of firearm owners. The proposed measures include both theoretical and practical instruction, examinations, and the development of infrastructure with private sector involvement.
The minister reiterated that firearm ownership entails not only rights but also responsibilities, advocating for stringent checks on individuals with mental health issues, addictions, or criminal backgrounds.
While the legislative process is complex and contentious, participants in the consultations agreed on the necessity of passing a dedicated law governing civilian firearms. This effort is also part of Ukraine’s commitments to European integration.
On February 23, 2022, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) approved a draft law on civilian firearms circulation in its first reading, garnering support from 274 deputies.
“The aim of the draft law is to enhance adherence to legal norms regarding the ownership of firearms, clarify the rights and responsibilities of citizens and legal entities concerning the production, acquisition, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition, and regulate other related societal relations,”
the explanatory note to the document states.
The draft law proposes the following measures:
- Define the concept of ownership rights for civilian firearms;
- Establish conditions and procedures for Ukrainian citizens and legal entities to obtain ownership documents for civilian firearms;
- Classify civilian firearms;
- Develop a process for issuing medical certificates confirming the absence of contraindications for obtaining firearm ownership documents, including the creation of a specialized information system with qualified electronic signatures;
- Create and maintain a Unified State Register of Civilian Firearms;
- Outline the powers of entities involved in the Unified State Register;
- Establish general principles for the civilian circulation of firearms and ammunition;
- Define the rights and obligations of civilian firearm owners;
- Set procedures for obtaining rights to civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Establish liability insurance requirements for firearm owners;
- Implement restrictions on the right to civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Allow for the use of civilian firearms for self-defense;
- Define gun-free zones;
- Outline the fundamentals of business activities related to civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Establish principles for foreign nationals and stateless persons regarding firearm ownership in Ukraine;
- Regulate the temporary import and export of civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Introduce state control over civilian firearms circulation;
- Amend existing laws to accommodate this new legislation.
This draft law aims to liberalize civilian firearms circulation in Ukraine while simultaneously increasing penalties for illegal use.
Currently, the document has only passed the first reading and has not been further considered.
In June 2023, Ukraine launched a Unified Firearms Register, simplifying the process for citizens to obtain firearm permits without needing to visit police stations, allowing applications through the Citizen’s One-Stop Shop or at firearms retailers.
On August 20, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 9538, granting Ukrainian civilians the right to possess and use firearms and ammunition obtained from the MIA for self-defense against Russian aggression.
Kyiv Shooting Incident
On April 18, a man opened fire on pedestrians in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv before taking hostages in a supermarket. The attacker was neutralized during a police operation, resulting in six fatalities and 14 injuries, including a child. The SBU is treating the shooting as a terrorist act.
In response to the incident, Interior Minister Klymenko instructed National Police Chief Ivan Vihivskyi to conduct an internal investigation into police actions during the attack. Vihivskyi confirmed that officers involved have been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.
This decision followed the release of video footage showing two police officers fleeing when gunfire erupted. The head of the Patrol Police Department, Yevhen Zhukov, resigned due to the police response during the incident.
On April 19, Klymenko stated that the tragedy underscores the need to discuss the rights of civilians to armed self-defense.
Ukrainian officials are revising firearms legislation following a recent shooting in Kyiv that left six dead. The proposed law aims to clarify ownership rights, enhance training, and strengthen regulations around self-defense and firearm use.