Anniversary of the Law Enforcement Committee's Ignoring a Critically Important Bill for Ukraine's Defense Capability
In March 2024, the Verkhovna Rada registered bill No. 11073, which aims to decriminalize the possession and production of weapons, leaving administrative liability for this instead of criminal. However, for more than a year, the Law Enforcement Committee has not been able to consider it, which significantly hampers the opportunities for expanding Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Over 25,000 Ukrainians supported a petition calling for the removal of obstacles to the production of ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in the Verkhovna Rada promised to understand the situation and take action. On the one hand, we are observing a delay in the process, which, in turn, continues to create problems for entrepreneurs trying to work in the defense sector.
Today, Ukraine has a permit system with the principle of "permit for permit", which is regulated by a Cabinet resolution since 1992 and effectively paralyzes any entrepreneurial activity in the legal field. This complicates the production and supply of weapons and ammunition, and therefore makes the Ukrainian army even more vulnerable to the enemy.
The draft law #zp11073 creates conditions for investments in Ukrainian weapons and ammunition production without fear of criminal liability for illegal handling of weapons or weapons production. Instead, currently every stage of the process – from the purchase of explosive materials to training – is complicated by bureaucratic obstacles. For the slightest mistake, entrepreneurs can receive up to 7 years in prison, and in the case of a group crime – up to 12 years. In such conditions, even well-trained specialists in the production of ammunition often risk their lives and freedom.
While some hesitated and delayed aid in 2024, the Ukrainians continued to rely on their own strength. Each brigade has its own “small private enterprise,” where craftsmen improve, manufacture ammunition, or even recycle enemy shells. But these people, risking their lives on the front line, are also subject to criminal prosecution.
In 2024, the number of cases written about by Pravotvorets included victims of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: veterans, volunteers, military personnel, and gunsmiths. Among them is the case Oleg Yova, a volunteer who was arrested for repairing weapons, a volunteer of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army Viktor Mazur, who was disarmed by the police in the first weeks of the invasion are just a few examples of injustice. Paralyzed sniper rifle production cartridges in Zaporizhia, stopped ammunition production workshop and anti-missile installations. And these are just a few examples of numerous situations where people working for the defense of the country find themselves under threat of imprisonment due to the lack of appropriate legislative changes.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2014 and up until now in 2024, volunteers have played a huge role in the fight against the aggressor. Volunteers are soldiers, volunteers are ammunition manufacturers.
The Ukrainian defense sector needs support for development, not bureaucratic obstacles and prison intimidation. The government and legislators must finally make the necessary decisions that will allow citizens to invest in the production of ammunition and weapons, as well as provide adequate support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine so that the country can successfully resist external aggression.
