A worrying statistical anomaly has been recorded in Ukraine: the number of crimes committed using legal weapons has effectively equalled the number of incidents involving illegal weapons. This was stated by Andriy Nebytov, Deputy Head of the National Police, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

The expert emphasized that the trend of rising crime involving legally stored weapons correlates directly with the increase in their circulation within the country. According to Nebytov, this is the result of two factors: the mass removal of weapons by civilians from storage facilities to resist armed aggression and the emergence of new military formations.

Figures Speaking to the Problem

Statistical data for 2021, cited by the law enforcement representative, paints a complex picture. In total, 288 criminal offenses involving firearms, explosives, and ammunition were recorded over the year. The breakdown of these figures is as follows:

  • 44 crimes were committed using legal firearms (including 1 case involving service weapons).
  • 145 crimes were committed using illegal firearms.
  • In 50 cases, the type of firearm remained undetermined.
  • 49 incidents involved the use of grenades and other types of ammunition and explosives.

Nebytov noted that even with an increase in the circulation of legal weapons, the number of crimes committed with them rose, leading to parity with the illegal sector.

Debates on Self-Defense and Risks

The issue of armed self-defense for citizens remains a subject of sharp debate within state structures. In April, the Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, stated the need to discuss the citizens' right to armed self-defense, particularly using short-barreled firearms.

However, not all high-ranking officials support the idea of expanding access to weapons. The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Kyrylo Budanov, expressed serious concern regarding the possible consequences of legalization. In his opinion, free access to weapons will not guarantee security but could lead to an increase in the number of tragic incidents.

Meanwhile, the National Police leadership previously pointed to the massive problem of the illegal market. According to experts, millions of unregistered weapons are in circulation, creating a significant risk to the security of the state and its citizens.