Ukraine Considers Civilian Firearms Reform and Armed Self-Defense

Summary

Following a deadly supermarket attack in Kyiv on April 18, 2026, Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, supported by President Zelensky, is pushing for reforms to liberalize civilian firearm ownership, including legalizing handguns for self-defense. A working group has been established to draft new regulations, with public support for the right to carry handguns at 59%.