Ukraine links firearms legislation with wartime needs and EU standards
October 15, 2026
Ukraine needs firearms legislation that addresses the security risks of war and supports its preparations for EU membership. Effective controls depend on clear rules, reliable firearms records and coordination between the authorities responsible for preventing illicit circulation.
To support this work, EUAM Ukraine facilitated a visit by the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Law Enforcement to Vinnytsia on 22–23 September 2026. The visit brought lawmakers together with regional authorities and law enforcement practitioners to examine how firearms controls work in practice and where improvements are needed.
Meetings involved the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, regional departments of the National Police, Security Service of Ukraine and State Migration Service, the Mohyliv-Podilskyi Border Guard Detachment, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Vinnytsia forensic centre and representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor General. Discussions covered firearms declaration and registration, weapons smuggling and the need for closer inter-agency coordination.
At the regional police headquarters and forensic centre, MPs and EUAM advisers reviewed procedures for declaring firearms, informing civilians about handing in captured weapons, and conducting ballistic examinations. These exchanges also helped identify challenges that could arise after martial law ends.
As part of the visit, the working group on aligning draft legislation on civilian firearms with EU law met under the chairmanship of MP Oleksandr Danutsa. The discussions focused on aligning draft laws No. 5708 and No. 5709, covering civilian firearms and related penalties, with the EU Firearms Directive. Participants included Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Bohdan Drapiatyi, European Commission representative José Romero Morgas and representatives of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies.
Oleksandr Danutsa stressed that alignment with EU law must also take account of Ukraine’s security risks, the number of firearms in circulation and law enforcement practice, while ensuring effective state control over weapons.
Bohdan Drapiatyi emphasised that these priorities require sustained, coordinated cooperation between the institutions involved and international partners, particularly the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Law Enforcement.
“Clear legislation needs to work in practice. Our role is to support Ukrainian partners with advice and relevant European experience, helping them address the risks of illicit firearms circulation while advancing alignment with EU standards,” said Kriss Elerts, EUAM’s Parliamentary Liaison Adviser, who accompanied the delegation.
EUAM Ukraine and the Committee agreed on further cooperation on the development of legislation regarding small arms and light weapons control. Through advice and exchanges between lawmakers and practitioners, the Mission supports Ukrainian partners in developing legislation informed by operational needs and relevant EU standards.
