National Guard will be allowed to shoot at protesters: Verkhovna Rada Committee supports scandalous law
21 March 2025 14:57
A Verkhovna Rada committee has approved a bill that would give the National Guard the right to use weapons, tear gas and drones against civilians during “mass unrest.” Parliament plans to consider the document for the second reading next week. This was reported by the Anti-Corruption Action Center, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The new law significantly expands the powers of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU). In particular, it gives the NGU virtually unlimited rights to use firearms, tear gas, stun guns, drones and other means of influence, including against civilians during protests, the agency said.
The declared goal of the bill is to give the NGU more rights and tools as the National Guard is involved in the defense of the state during a full-scale invasion.
The Verkhovna Rada has already passed the bill in the first reading, but the parliament’s law enforcement committee has since added a number of amendments to the second reading version.
The new version of draft law No. 10311 allows the National Guard to:
- use firearms, in particular to stop mass disorder, without proper warning to protesters;
- to use rubber and plastic batons, tear gas, and stun guns against rioters;
- to mark offenders during mass riots, for example, with paint;
- to use drones, but the MPs are very generalized about what exactly they are going to use them for. It is likely that they will be used to monitor the protesters
It is noted that the MPs of the committee approved the draft law in a closed mode from the public.
