Voluntary Firearm Declaration Campaign in Kyiv
Since the start of a voluntary firearm declaration initiative in 2024, residents of Kyiv have registered more than 2,200 guns and over one million rounds of ammunition as of June 4, 2024. This program was made possible by the passage of Ukraine’s Law 'On Ensuring the Participation of Civilians in the Defense of Ukraine,' which took effect on August 25, 2024. Official procedures were launched on November 25, 2024. This effort aims to bring unregistered weapons into legal compliance and enhance public safety.
How the Declaration Process Works
According to the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv, over 2,136 residents have already approached police departments. They declared a total of 2,237 firearms and more than one million rounds of ammunition. After completing the process—which takes just a few hours—they received the necessary permits and can now legally keep their weapons.
To declare a weapon, individuals must report a find or possession by calling the special hotline 102 or visiting their local police station. They can either go to the nearest police unit in person or request a visit from licensing officers at their home. Required documents for the procedure include:
- A Ukrainian passport
- A taxpayer identification number (IPN)
The declaration campaign has gained urgency amid a sharp rise in lost and stolen weapons across Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 491,000 firearms have been lost or stolen. This figure increased from 270,900 in September 2024 to 491,400 by September 2025. Possessing unregistered firearms carries criminal penalties.
Declaring firearms is a critical step toward ensuring public safety and controlling the circulation of weapons in Ukraine.
In response to rising crime and weapon theft, this initiative aims to reduce risks tied to illegal gun ownership and promote lawful behavior among the population. Broad public participation in the campaign could strengthen national security and help law enforcement better monitor the situation with firearms.
The ongoing challenges of weapon control in Ukraine are underscored by the alarming number of firearms that have gone missing since the start of the conflict. Recent reports indicate that over 780,000 firearms have been unaccounted for, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives like the voluntary declaration campaign in Kyiv. This context not only emphasizes the importance of legal compliance for gun owners but also reflects the broader issues of safety and regulation in the region.