Ukrainian Civilians Allowed To Use Firearms During War, Kremlin Spokesperson: He's Also Targeted

JAKARTA - Civilians in Ukraine are allowed to open fire on troops who can be identified as enemy forces, under a new law that took effect this week, Ukrainian media said.

According to the law, which took effect on Monday, foreigners and stateless persons living legally in the country can also acquire weapons and use them, against Russian soldiers involved in the ongoing attacks in Ukraine.

The issuance of weapons will be regulated by the Ministry of the Interior. Any weapons and remaining ammunition issued must be returned no later than 10 days after the end of the current martial law.

Assault rifles and ammunition were issued indiscriminately in the first days of the war, especially in Kyiv. The gunfight broke out and was only stopped after a strict curfew was imposed.

The Kremlin criticized the permits now granted, issuing a clear and unequivocal warning about the risks it could pose.

"If a person with a gun in his hand attacks a Russian soldier, then he is also a target," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the Daily Sabah on March 11.

Earlier, President Zelenskiy signed a law allowing civilians to use weapons during war, after it was passed in parliament last Thursday, Anadolu reported.

Entitled 'Ensuring the Participation of Civilians in the Defense of Ukraine' the law regulates the procedures for issuing and returning firearms and ammunition to civilians to protect the country during wartime. Holds civilians accountable for the use of firearms against persons who carry out armed acts of aggression against Ukraine," the Ukrainian Parliament Verkhovna Rada said in a statement.

In addition, Ukrainian citizens have the opportunity to participate in repelling and deterring armed aggression by the Russian Federation and/or other countries using their own weapons.