On December 1, the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Participation of Civilians in the Defense of Ukraine” came into force in Ukraine, which improves the procedure for obtaining, declaring, and handling firearms. This law aims to improve control over the circulation of weapons among the civilian population and ensure greater transparency in the use and storage of firearms.
New in legislation:
- Declaration of found weapons: The law provides for the obligation to declare found firearms and ammunition. To do this, owners must contact the National Police units where the weapons will be registered. This decision is aimed at ensuring security and preventing weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
- Declaring your own weapons through “Diya”: One of the key innovations is the ability for firearm owners to view and declare information about their weapons through the “Diya” application. This feature is expected to be available by the end of January 2025, which will greatly facilitate the process of citizens’ interaction with government agencies regarding the storage and use of weapons.
- Simplifying the procedure for obtaining weapons: The law also improves the procedure for obtaining firearms for civilians, increasing requirements for mental health checks and readiness to use weapons.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine emphasized that every citizen must be responsible for their weapons, ensuring their proper storage and declaration. In case of violations, appropriate sanctions are provided.

