At the height of the war with the Russian aggressor, when every resource and every action is aimed at ensuring Ukraine's defense capability, law enforcement officers are preventing the production of weapons. One such case is criminal prosecution of Ihor Kravchenko, a volunteer, serviceman and gunsmith who works tirelessly for the benefit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite his significant contribution to the defense of the state, the Kharkiv Specialized Prosecutor's Office initiated a case against him under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Ihor Kravchenko, a volunteer, serviceman and gunsmith, has made a significant contribution to the defense of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022. Thanks to his efforts:
- Unexploded ammunition was recycled and obsolete weapons were modernized.
- Demining of land plots was carried out.
- Servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine acquired valuable knowledge in mine and explosive matters.
- Manufactured and repaired key weapons, including automatic grenade launchers, anti-tank weapons (RPG-7, NLAW, Karl Gustaw) and anti-aircraft turrets.
Ihor Kravchenko is an active serviceman who performs his duties under martial law. During the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ihor provided the units of the Armed Forces with the necessary weapons. However, despite these achievements, he was charged under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ("Illegal possession of firearms").
In 2024, the deputy head of the Kharkiv specialized prosecutor's office in the field of defense of the Eastern region Andriy Tsabeka initiated the criminal prosecution of Ihor Kravchenko. Instead of protecting Ukraine's interests, the prosecutor's office actually blocks critical activities: the production of ammunition and the repair of weapons for the needs of the front. At the same time, Andriy Tsabeka himself is a candidate for the position of detective of the Main Detective Division of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. In the light of such actions, the question arises: do the principles of his work meet the standards of integrity, which should be the basis for a future NABU detective?
In the materials of the pretrial investigation of the criminal proceedings, it is stated that Ihor Kravchenko is an active military serviceman who performs his duties in accordance with the conditions of martial law. However, based on the rulings of the investigating judge of the Kyiv District Court, Kharkiv, on May 8, 2024, searches were conducted in the premises and land plots in his use, and property used for defense purposes was seized.
The accusation is based on assumptions, without reference to violations of the law. It is worth noting that according to parts 1 and 3 of Article 43-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, actions committed during a state of war or armed conflict with the aim of repelling aggression are not a criminal offense. In addition, according to the response of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to petition No. 22/213562-ep, the production of ammunition for military needs does not require special permits or licenses.
"Pravotvorets" condemns any actions that hinder the defense of Ukraine. We insist on the immediate termination of the criminal prosecution of Ihor Kravchenko, who makes a significant contribution to the defense of the state.
Ukraine needs the unity and support of everyone who fights for our freedom. Obstruction of defense initiatives not only contradicts the interests of the state, but also poses a threat to its security.
Since March 2024, it has been under consideration by the Law Enforcement Committee Bill No. 11073, which proposes to decriminalize the production and possession of weapons by removing Articles 263 and 263-1 of the Criminal Code, leaving only administrative responsibility.
In wartime, volunteers, specialists and private workshops play a key role in providing the army, so prosecution for "illegal" manufacture or repair of weapons only undermines the country's defense capability. Decriminalization will allow specialists to help the front more effectively, reduce the burden on state structures and allow resources to be concentrated on defense against the aggressor, rather than on countering the patriots.
