Due to civilians striving to defend Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine made a decision to allow citizens of Ukraine, as well as foreigners and stateless persons staying in Ukraine on legal grounds, to participate in Ukraine’s defense against the aggression launched by Russia and/or other states, as well as to hold firearms and ammunition in accordance with the procedure and requirements established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The exercise of the right to defend Ukraine is set out in the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Participation of Civilians in the Defense of Ukraine”, which has already entered into force.
While performing their mission to repel the aggression against Ukraine, civilians shall be able to use the weapons received in the same manner as the military servicemen.
Once the martial law end, no later than 10 days after the termination of martial law in Ukraine, civilians shall be obliged to hand over the received firearms and unused ammunition to the National Police of Ukraine.
Infringement of these requirements shall result in criminal liability
During martial law, to defend Ukraine against the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, citizens of Ukraine may also use the following:
- prize weapons;
- sports weapons (pistols, revolvers, rifles, smoothbore rifles);
- hunting rifles;
- smoothbore or combined weapons and ammunition for it.
Civilians who have used firearms against persons who carry out armed aggression against Ukraine shall not be held responsible if such weapons were used in accordance with the requirements of this Law.
