As of April 2026, Ukrainian citizens owned 1,166,001 weapons. The head of the National Police, Ivan Vyhivskyi, said that no crimes were committed with weapons distributed at the beginning of the war. He also commented on the investigation into the terrorist attack in Kyiv and the situation with mobilisation.
Over a million weapons in possession of citizens
According to the head of the National Police Ivan Vygovsky, As of 23 April 2026, 1,166,001 weapons are owned by citizens. Vygivskyi stressed that crimes involving weapons distributed at the beginning of the full-scale invasion were not recorded.
He also noted that the police continue to monitor the situation with the circulation of weapons among the population. Law enforcers are monitoring possible risks, but no grounds for a massive threat have been identified so far.
Investigation of the terrorist attack in Kyiv
Vygivskyi said that the main version of the terrorist attack in Kyiv is a domestic conflict, not recruitment by Russian special services. According to him, the suspect led a secluded lifestyle, had conflicts with neighbours and had previously made radical posts on social media.
The police examined all complaints against the suspect and his own statements. Vyhivskyi also said that the suspect had a page called «Bakhmut VDV», where he published aggressive and extremist statements back in 2017.
Criticism of patrol policemen's actions and Zhukov's resignation
The public was outraged by the situation when patrol policemen left the boy alone during the incident. Vyhivskyi noted that the police should have helped the child and eliminated the shooter.
He also confirmed that Zhukov decided to resign from his post. It was a joint decision, but the initiative came from Zhukov himself.
Mobilisation and trust in the police
The Head of the National Police stated that mobilisation together with the TCC has a negative impact on trust in the police. According to him, police ratings are falling critically due to participation in mobilisation activities.
Vyhivskyi stressed that police rotations to the frontline regions are important for maintaining contact with the realities of war. About 70% police officers have been or are currently working in the combat zone.
Police understaffing and the specifics of police work
The total shortage of police officers in the National Police is about 18%, and in the Patrol Police - 25.9%. Vyhivskyi stressed that it is not possible to simply recruit police officers «from the street», as many areas require special training.
The police recorded cases of illegal activity employees of the TCC, including receiving illegal benefits. Vyhivskyi urged citizens to have documents confirming their deferral from mobilisation to avoid repeated checks.
Social adaptation of veterans and risks
Vyhivskyi stressed that it is important to ensure social adaptation and employment of the military after they return from the front. If these issues are not addressed, the crime rate may increase.
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