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Russia introduces amnesty for illegal guns to boost supply for Ukraine war

29 October 2024 15:01 (UTC +04:00)

Russia's National Guard (Rosgvardia) has launched an amnesty programme allowing citizens to surrender firearms and avoid penalties for minor firearm-related infractions, as it seeks to cheaply supplement military supplies at the front in Ukraine, APA reports citing IntelliNews.

This initiative comes as Russia aims to expand access to weaponry while the war with Ukraine continues to deplete current stockpiles.

The Rosgvardia scheme waives penalties for minor administrative firearm offences. Under this initiative, Russian citizens who voluntarily contribute firearms for military use are exempt from fines for non-serious violations, such as delayed registration or re-registration. According to current law, individual offenders may face fines up to RUB3,000 ($30) and officials up to RUB5,000 ($50). The amnesty follows legislative changes passed in August 2024 that enable Rosgvardia to redirect confiscated or donated firearms to military units at the front.