Ukraine Debates Liberalizing Civilian Gun Ownership

Summary

Following a mass shooting in Kyiv on April 18 that killed seven, Ukraine is intensifying its debate over liberalizing civilian handgun ownership for self-defense. Current law prohibits handguns but allows shotguns and rifles, with discussions initiated after the 2022 invasion when the government distributed over 25,000 weapons in Kyiv. Proponents, including veterans, argue armed citizens could prevent future tragedies and that a formal system could regulate the massive number of unregistered firearms, often citing the Czech Republic's model of high gun ownership with rigorous oversight.