Klymenko made a new statement regarding short-barreled firearms for civilians
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has officially confirmed its readiness to implement the law on civilian firearms.
This was announced by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko during a meeting with the media on Tuesday, April 21.
As early as next week, the ministry will begin extensive consultations with members of parliament, experts, and representatives of the public.
The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasized that the tragic events of recent days, particularly the terrorist attack in Kyiv on April 18, have brought the issue of citizens’ right to armed self-defense to the forefront.
“I want a law on civilian firearms. Types of firearms, carbines—that is, hunting weapons, smoothbore, and rifled—all of this needs to be classified,” the minister noted.
According to him, a key aspect of the reform should be mandatory professional training for gun owners.
The bill will provide for the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure, including a network of shooting ranges and certified storage facilities.
Special attention will be given to training courses where citizens will learn the rules for the safe handling of firearms.
“We want this system to exist. We want people to have the right to armed self-defense. And, most importantly, we want them to be prepared,” emphasized Klymenko.
The reform will require significant changes to current legislation, particularly the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
It is necessary to clearly expand and specify the limits of permissible self-defense so that gun owners have legal guarantees when defending their lives or property.
The minister noted that the experience of national resistance at the start of the full-scale invasion demonstrated civilians’ ability to use weapons responsibly.
The process of drafting the document will be as transparent as possible. Journalists and civil law experts will be involved in the discussions to account for all possible risks.
“We need to hear all opinions to reach an effective solution,” added the head of the ministry, emphasizing the importance of public consensus on this issue.
Footage from the Kyiv terrorist’s apartment has emerged
The attack took place on Saturday, April 18, when 58-year-old Dmytro Vasylchenkov opened fire on passersby 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.
