Editor’s Note: Reacting to many suggestions to remove restrictions on firearm sales and possession in Ukraine, People’s Front party lawmaker Anton Gerashchenko has suggested to hold a national referendum. Currently, possession of guns is generally restricted to military and police officers.
Anatoliy Volodin (Volodymyr Petrov)
Anatoliy Volodin,
retiree
“I’m convinced it’s a bad idea. Ukrainians don’t have a conscious attitude toward a weapon. They shoot even with hunting weapons. So I would definitely resist legalization of firearms.”
Natalya Yevdokimova (Volodymyr Petrov)
Natalya Yevdokimova,
engineer
“Guns should be legalized. Owning them is everyone’s own choice. We live in a democratic country, so why shouldn’t we have it? Moreover, the people with bad intentions will get a gun anyway.”
Yuriy Svystun (Volodymyr Petrov)
Yuriy Svystun,
teacher
“This isn’t a good idea. Let’s recall the last gun-related tragedy in the U.S. If every person in the country keeps a gun in their house, I won’t feel safe. Also, people buying guns can pass the necessary checks through bribery. When we overcome corruption, maybe it will make sense.”
Varvara Honcharova (Volodymyr Petrov)
Varvara Honcharova,
writer
“I think firearms should be legalized. They’re already available in many developed countries. Criminals have the gun one way or another, and the ordinary people don’t. As a result, they don’t have protection. But the law which regulates the legal use of firearms should be written very thoughtfully. Even though I don’t feel like I need a gun for self-defense, I think the people from rural areas need it a lot.”
Antonina Grebenkina (Volodymyr Petrov)
Antonina Grebenkina,
retiree
“Actually, I support the legalization of guns. Some people still have a gun – but illegally. If a person has their gun registered, they are supposed to have a more responsible attitude in its usage.”
