Incident in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi District
Police in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district have located and detained a 16-year-old boy for setting off fireworks. A criminal case for hooliganism has been initiated due to the violation of the wartime ban on pyrotechnics. The incident occurred on Saturday after numerous calls to the emergency line 102 reported explosions and flashes in the city center. Patrol police and an investigative-operational team arrived at the scene, where they discovered a used fireworks launcher.
Officers detained a group of teenagers, including the 16-year-old. The teenager explained that he had found the fireworks on the street. Investigators are currently speaking with him and his parents. Kyiv police have launched a pre-trial investigation under Part 1 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism). The sanctions under this article provide for a penalty of a fine or restriction of liberty for up to five years.
Wartime Ban on Pyrotechnics
During martial law in Ukraine, the use of pyrotechnics, firecrackers, salutes, and fireworks is prohibited. However, the use of party poppers and sparklers is permitted provided fire safety rules are followed. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian courts have delivered 63 verdicts for pyrotechnics use, with over half classified as criminal offenses. In the first year of the full-scale war, five verdicts were issued, while the number of court decisions increased 3.4 times the following year.
Law enforcement is also identifying individuals who launched fireworks in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region. On February 22, police received a report of sounds resembling firecracker explosions in Bila Tserkva. Video of a fireworks launch in a residential area of the city was found on social media.
Such incidents underscore the critical importance of adhering to regulations during Ukraine's period of martial law.
The use of pyrotechnics not only poses a safety threat but can also cause panic in a wartime context. Police continue to actively respond to legal violations, demonstrating efforts to maintain public order and security. These strict measures are in place because unexpected explosions can trigger widespread alarm and divert emergency resources during the ongoing conflict.