Klymenko announced plans to expand gun rights following the terrorist attack in Kyiv

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has called for a review of gun laws following the high-profile terrorist attack in Kyiv. The minister emphasized that Ukrainians should be granted the right to armed self-defense, including the use of handguns. 

He announced this on his Telegram channel.

The reason for this initiative was the terrorist attack in Kyiv on April 18. The minister pointed to the unstable mental state of the attacker in the Holosiivskyi district, who nevertheless held a gun permit. 

As part of the investigation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will verify the legality of the medical certificates issued to him. Klymenko noted that the experience of the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion has proven the effectiveness of an armed civilian population for national resistance, making the issue of legalization even more relevant. To implement these changes, draft law No. 5708—which passed its first reading back in 2021—is set to be revised. Expert discussions involving lawmakers, veterans, and the public will take place in the near future. The minister emphasized that the goal of the reform is to strengthen the system for monitoring and screening gun owners, though there are currently no plans for mass inspections of all existing owners. The tragedy in the capital served as a catalyst for finalizing the legislative framework on this issue.

The attack occurred on Saturday, April 18, when 58-year-old Dmytro Vasylchenkov opened fire on pedestrians on Demiivska Street, after which he took hostages at the “Velmart” supermarket. Six people were killed in the attack, and about 15 others were injured to varying degrees. 

Earlier, a video appeared online showing police officers fleeing from the shooter during the terrorist attack in Kyiv on April 18, leaving civilians behind, including a child.

At the instruction of Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, an internal investigation has been launched into the actions of patrol officers at the scene of the shooting in Kyiv. For the duration of the investigation, the police officers involved in the incident have been suspended from duty.