Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, has called for the development of a law governing civilian firearms, emphasizing the need for clear regulations on their use and mandatory training for citizens on safe handling.
During a recent press conference, Klymenko outlined his vision for the proposed legislation, which aims to classify various types of firearms, including hunting rifles and shotguns. He stated, “I want a law on civilian firearms. The types of weapons, including hunting rifles and smoothbore firearms, need to be classified. Individuals must undergo a training course on safe handling. This is a comprehensive system that includes changes to criminal legislation and defines self-defense rights, storage locations, and shooting ranges. We are ready for this dialogue and want to ensure that individuals have the right to armed self-defense, provided they are adequately prepared.”
Klymenko noted that he has discussed this initiative with members of parliament and that consultations involving the public, experts, and journalists will begin next week. He stressed the importance of considering all opinions to reach an effective solution.
On February 23, 2022, the Ukrainian Parliament passed a draft law on civilian firearm circulation in its first reading, receiving support from 274 lawmakers. The bill aims to strengthen legal compliance regarding firearm ownership and clarify the rights and responsibilities of citizens and legal entities concerning the production, acquisition, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition.
“The goal of the draft law is to enhance adherence to legal norms regarding the legal status of firearm ownership, establish the main rights and obligations of citizens and legal entities concerning the production, acquisition, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition, and regulate other related social relations,” the explanatory note to the document states.
The proposed legislation includes several key provisions:
- Defining the concept of ownership rights for civilian firearms;
- Establishing the conditions and procedures for citizens and legal entities to obtain ownership documentation for civilian firearms;
- Classifying civilian firearms;
- Creating a process for issuing medical certificates confirming the absence of contraindications for obtaining firearm ownership documents, involving a specialized information system with qualified electronic signatures;
- Establishing a unified state register for civilian firearms;
- Defining the powers of entities involved in the state register;
- Setting general principles for the circulation of firearms and ammunition;
- Outlining the rights and obligations of civilian firearm owners;
- Establishing the process for obtaining rights to civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Defining the insurance requirements for civilian firearm owners;
- Establishing restrictions on the right to civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Allowing the use of civilian firearms for self-defense;
- Defining gun-free zones;
- Regulating the business activities related to the circulation of civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Defining the rights of foreigners and stateless persons regarding firearm ownership in Ukraine;
- Regulating the temporary import and export of civilian firearms and ammunition;
- Establishing state control over the circulation of civilian firearms;
- Amending existing legislation in light of this new law.
This draft law aims to liberalize the circulation of civilian firearms in Ukraine while simultaneously increasing accountability for illegal use.
As of June 2023, Ukraine implemented a Unified Firearm Register, simplifying the process for citizens to obtain firearm permits without needing to visit police stations, allowing them to submit documents through the “Single Window for Citizens” or at firearm retail outlets.
On August 20, 2024, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted a law granting civilians the right to possess and use firearms and ammunition obtained from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for self-defense against armed aggression from Russia. The law mandates that individuals who find firearms must report them to the police within 24 hours for proper handling or declaration.
Additionally, the legislation imposes restrictions on certain types of firearms that cannot be declared, including:
- Firearms with a caliber exceeding 12.7 mm;
- Shotguns with a caliber exceeding 23 mm;
- Machine guns, grenade launchers, mortars, flamethrowers, and portable air defense systems.
Furthermore, the law requires civilians to surrender any found and declared firearms and unused ammunition to the police within 90 days after the end of martial law. Individuals may only acquire firearms again after a three-month waiting period following the surrender for police verification.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is advocating for a comprehensive law regulating civilian firearms, emphasizing safety training and classification. The initiative includes public consultations and aims to clarify rights and responsibilities related to firearm ownership.