It is no secret that citizens of Ukraine have the right to legally own certain types of weapons, which can be used for sporting purposes, hunting, for self-defense and protection of one's own home, as well as other purposes not prohibited by the legislation of Ukraine. One of the popular means of self-defense is a gas weapon, that is, a weapon that is charged with substances of tear and irritating action. Such weapons have an aggressive appearance due to the visual similarity to classic firearms, but are much safer due to the very small, compared to firearms, range and the absence of a projectile to hit the target (bullets).
However, the circulation of gas pistols and revolvers is carried out in the same manner as other weapons permitted for citizens of Ukraine, and in order to possess them, those willing are required to obtain a permit for the right to store and carry weapons from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
This permit is temporary and every three years the owners, in particular of gas weapons, are required to apply to the relevant Territorial police units (territorial permit centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) in order to extend its validity.
At the beginning of the full-scale war, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine issued Order No. 195 dated March 18, 2022, according to which the validity period of permits for the right to store (carry) firearms, pneumatic, cold and cooled weapons was extended for a period of up to 10 days after the termination or cancellation of martial law in Ukraine. The extension takes place at the request of citizens of Ukraine.
However, the fact that there is no mention of gas weapons in the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine No. 195, which makes it impossible to extend it to permits issued to owners of gas weapons, the circulation of which is regulated by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 706 of 09/07/1993, is quite surprising. We should note that the position of the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding gas weapons is quite unclear, because these pistols and revolvers do not carry such a danger as, for example, firearms, the extension of the permit for which is now much easier.
To extend the term of the permit, which gives the right to keep and carry gas weapons, it is necessary to contact the police one month before its expiration, provide the appropriate gas pistol or revolver, as well as: an application for re-registration, a medical certificate, pay for re-registration services, ensure the implementation of experimental shooting.
Oleksandr Bragin, attorney at Dynasty Law & Investment