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Mass shooting reignites push to loosen gun laws in war-torn Ukraine
The attack has intensified demands for tighter screening and a legal self-defense framework, as supporters say 59% backed public handgun carry in a 2022 state poll.
- On April 18, 2026, a gunman with a registered weapon killed seven people in a Kyiv supermarket, reigniting national debate over loosening handgun restrictions for self-defense.
- Co-Author Ihor Fris and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko argue that liberalization is necessary, citing up to 7 million undeclared small arms already circulating in Ukraine.
- Deputy Commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Maksym Zhorin, claimed arming citizens could have reduced casualties, while lawmaker Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk warned, "We must not legalise guns based on emotions after tragedies."
- Proponents seek to replace a "free sale of weapons" with a multi-level admission model, as President Zelenskyy announced personnel purges within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- While 59% of Ukrainians supported handgun carry rights in a 2022 poll, critics like resident Daryna emphasize risks of domestic violence, questioning if the state can create a safe control system.
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14 Articles
Kyiv Mass Shooting Sparks Fierce Debate Over Gun Rights in Wartime Ukraine
A deadly mass shooting in Kyiv has reignited debate over civilian gun ownership in Ukraine, where years of war following the Russian invasion of Ukraine 2022 have already flooded society with weapons. The attack, in which a gunman killed seven people during a hostage situation, has triggered public anger and renewed calls for allowing civilians […] The post Kyiv Mass Shooting Sparks Fierce Debate Over Gun Rights in Wartime Ukraine appeared first…
The Minister has named the conditions for civilians to obtain the right to armed self-defense. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is prepared for the introduction of a law on civilian weapons. Consultations with members of parliament are scheduled to begin next week. According to RBC-Ukraine, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko stated this during a meeting with journalists. "I want a law on civilian weapons. Weapon types, carbine…
Mass shooting reignites push to loosen gun laws in war-torn Ukraine
A deadly shooting in Ukraine's capital at the weekend has fuelled calls for the loosening of restrictions on the right to own and carry handguns for self-defence in a country scarred by years of war against Russia.
I want law on civilian weapons, all types must be classified, and people prepared – Interior Minister
Starting next week, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine begins consultations on the law on civilian weapons, which will grant Ukrainians the right to armed self-defence: all opinions must be heard to reach an effective decision, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has stated.
The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko supports the law on civilian weapons.
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