Ukrainians may be allowed to possess firearms for self-defense, the head of the Interior Ministry said after the terrorist attack in Kyiv

After the tragedy in the capital that occurred on April 18, 2026 (bloody day in Kyiv: the shooter who opened fire on people and hid in a supermarket was neutralized), sharp debates erupted in society about security, police actions and access to weapons. April 19, 2026 the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko publicly commented on the situation and outlined the key directions of further decisions.

We previously wrote:
Left people under fire: Kyiv police officers are being investigated after fleeing during the terrorist attack

According to the minister, the behavior of the police officers who first arrived at the scene is unacceptable. They have already been suspended, an official investigation is underway, and staffing decisions regarding leadership are being prepared. At the same time, he emphasized that one should not judge the entire police system by individual cases, as other units acted promptly and professionally.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs will pay special attention to checking the circumstances under which the attacker obtained medical certificates to renew his weapons permit. At the same time, as the minister stressed, mass checks of gun owners are not currently planned.

The most high-profile statement was regarding the possible expansion of civilians’ rights to possess firearms. This aspect, against the backdrop of the war and the experience of national resistance, could become a turning point in shaping a new security policy in the country.

“I believe that people should be granted the right to armed self-defense. Especially after the experience when, at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, civilians received weapons for the national resistance. Therefore, in the near future we will hold expert discussions with the participation of Members of Parliament, the public, journalists, and the veteran community to prepare the final version of the bill on civilian firearms”, – said Ihor Klymenko, commenting on the issue of civilian firearms after the tragedy in Kyiv.

The minister also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the main task now — is to draw conclusions and strengthen the security system where necessary.