Days after the Russian attack began, The Ukrainian government started distributing arms among civilians, which were usually reserved for soldiers and police officers of Ukraine.
Ukrainian law allows arms ownership, with approximately 10 civilian firearms per 100 people, Ukraine is the 88th most armed country in the world per capita and 22nd overall. Ukraine is the only country in Europe where firearms are not regulated by statute.
Last week, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law that allows Ukrainian nationals and foreign citizens to use any firearms in their possession ‘without legal repercussions’ against “individuals conducting armed aggression” against the country.
Ukrainian Minister Denis Monastyrsky revealed in an interview on Tuesday that The Ukrainian authorities have distributed tens of thousands of assault rifles to civilians. This was part of a policy aimed at turning the Ukrainian public into a resistance force against the Russian military.
“Any Ukrainian citizen may go to the police; prove he actually works to defend Ukraine … and get a weapon accordingly. We are talking about automatic weapons first and foremost. We have distributed several tens of thousands of assault rifles throughout the country,” Monastyrsky said.
They added that the policy of arming the public has contributed to Ukraine’s ability to “hold back the enemy for three weeks.”
Kyiv announced it would set free combat experience for civilians who take assault rifles for taking part in the defence of Ukraine.
The Russian troops say We refrained from capturing major Ukrainian cities using full force, to avoid unnecessary casualties among civilians. Russia claims it is only attacking military targets of Ukraine.
According to the International law for war called the Geneva convention, people living under conditions of war should be divided into two groups, which is combatants and noncombatants. Geneva convention provides various protections and privileges to civilians and soldiers in the war-affected region like the protection of human rights, the right to get medical assistance etc.
Combatant members in war should wear distinctive signs, which helps in identifying them easily like carrying their arms openly. For the implication of protections under conventions.
Published By: VATSAL KOTHA
Edited By : KRITIKA KASHYAP
