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Ukraine — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Ukraine is 3,100,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Ukraine is 6.61 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Ukraine ranked at No. 242

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Ukraine ranked at No. 841

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Ukraine is reported to be 640,6153

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Ukraine is 1.294 per 100 people

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Number of Registered Firearms

ChartThe number of registered guns in Ukraine is reported to be

2011: 1,076,0005
1999: 722,7393

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

ChartThe rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Ukraine is

2011: 2.384
1999: 1.46

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In Ukraine, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 24,7703

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Ukraine, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 697,2243

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Ukraine are reported to have 7,000,0006 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Ukraine are reported to have 460,0007 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Ukraine, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 2,1948
2008: 3,220
2007: 3,315
2006: 2,9589 8
2005: 3,030
2004: 3,48710 8
2003: 4,041
2002: 4,8068
2001: 4,624
2000: 4,41811 8
1999: 4,250
1998: 4,195
1997: 4,23112 8
1996: 4,896
1995: 4,407

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Ukraine, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 4.88
2008: 7.08 13
2007: 7.2
2006: 6.359 8
2005: 6.46
2004: 7.2610 8
2003: 8.51
2002: 10.08
2001: 9.5
2000: 8.9311 8
1999: 8.52
1998: 8.34
1997: 8.3512 8
1996: 9.58
1995: 8.55

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Ukraine, annual firearm homicides total

2009: 1008
2008: 84
2007: 75
2006: 979
2005: 105
2004: 10410
2003: 146
2000: 17311
1999: 202
1998: 223
1997: 25612
1996: 250
1995: 254

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Ukraine, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2009: 0.28
2008: 0.2
2007: 0.2
2006: 0.219
2005: 0.22
2004: 0.2210
2003: 0.31
2000: 0.3511
1999: 0.40
1998: 0.44
1997: 0.5012
1996: 0.49
1995: 0.49

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Suicides (any method)

In Ukraine, annual suicides by any means total

1999: 14,45214

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Ukraine, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1999: 29.7814

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Ukraine, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence15

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Ukraine is ranked 'small'16

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Regulation of Firearm Exports

In Ukraine, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 17 18

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Ukraine is reported to be US$9,075,28519 (2011)

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Ukraine is categorized as 'unknown'20

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Regulation of Firearm Imports

In Ukraine, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 17

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Ukraine is reported to be US$21,133,43619 (2011)

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Ukraine is reported to be US$35021

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Ukraine, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law17

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Ukraine was ranked number 41 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 8.00 points of a possible total of 2522

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Ukraine is categorised as restrictive23

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Ukraine includes the Various Ukraine Parliamentary Decrees3

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Ukraine are regulated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs3

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

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Regulation of Handguns

In Ukraine, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence24

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Ukraine, only licensed gun owners3 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Ukraine are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security3

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Ukraine is 21 years3

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Ukraine must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental and domestic violence3 records

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Ukraine stipulates3 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Ukraine, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required (excluding hunting licences)3 for a firearm licence

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Ukraine, the law requires25 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Ukraine, State agencies are required25 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Ukraine include26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Ukraine include27 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Ukraine, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law28

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Firearm Tracing

In Ukraine, state authorities do not carry out3 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Ukraine, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit3

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Ukraine, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 2 to 7 years prison29

Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Ukraine, it is not state policy30 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, Ukraine was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office31

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Ukraine voted to begin32 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed33 by Ukraine

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Ukraine committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects34

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Ukraine has submitted one or more national reports35 36 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Ukraine, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated37 36

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Ukraine, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated36

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated36 by Ukraine to other UN Member States

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UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided36 to Ukraine by other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Ukraine has declared2 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Ukraine has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194538

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists39 Ukraine as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

3.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Ukraine.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4295)Full Citation

5.

Medved, Valentyn.2011.‘Ukraine Ranks 84th by Number of Gun Owners, Says Small Arms Survey.’ Ukrainian Journal / Komsomolskaya Pravda.Kiev:7 November. (Q5986)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

7.

Karp, Aaron.2012.‘Table 1 - Estimated Law Enforcement Firearms in 20 Selected Countries.’ Armed Actors - Estimating Law Enforcement Firearms.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q6544)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Ukraine.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6277)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

10.

UNODC.2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 – 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation

11.

UNODC.2004.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (1998-2000).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 March. (Q91)Full Citation

12.

UNODC.2001.‘Ukraine: Total Recorded Intentional Homicides (Completed) and Total Recorded Intentional Homicides Committed With a Firearm.’ Sixth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems, 1995-1997.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,27 June. (Q90)Full Citation

13.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Europe and Central Asia, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3816)Full Citation

14.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

15.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Small Arms, Big Business: Products and Producers: Ukraine.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q106)Full Citation

16.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

17.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

18.

Holtom, Paul.2011.‘Ukrainian Framework for Arms Exports.’ Ukrainian Arms Supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa.Stockholm:Stockholm International Peace Research Institute,1 February. (Q4018)Full Citation

19.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

20.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

21.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

22.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

23.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

24.

Ukraine.1998.‘Approving the Instructions on the Manufacture, Purchase, Storage, Registration, Transportation and Use of Firearms….’ Order N 622, amended 1999, 2002, 2004.Kiev:Ministry of Internal Affairs,21 August. (Q92)Full Citation

25.

Ukraine.2010.‘Record Keeping.’ National Report of Ukraine on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4588)Full Citation

26.

United Nations.1999.‘Ukraine: Update to Online Dataset.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q100)Full Citation

27.

United Nations.1999.‘Ukraine: Update to Online Dataset.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q101)Full Citation

28.

Ukraine.2010.‘Marking.’ National Report of Ukraine on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4587)Full Citation

29.

Grillot, Suzette R.2003.‘Elements of the Ukrainian SALW Control System: Enforcement and penalties.’ Small Arms Control in the Black Sea Region: A regional assessment of small arms control initiatives.London:International Alert, Security and Peacebuilding Programme,1 December. (Q105)Full Citation

30.

Holtom, Paul.2011.‘Ukrainian Surplus Small Arms and Ammunition.’ Ukrainian Arms Supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa.Stockholm:Stockholm International Peace Research Institute,1 February. (Q4019)Full Citation

31.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

32.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

33.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

34.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

35.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

36.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

37.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

38.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

39.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation