What Items Are Banned to Carry in Ukraine in 2025?

In Ukraine, certain restrictions apply to carrying specific items that could potentially harm life and health.Violations may result in administrative and criminal penalties, though some exceptions exist. Here’s a rundown of items that are strictly prohibited to carry in Ukraine in 2025.

Firearms and Cold Weapons

Ukraine’s Criminal Code prohibits civilians from carrying, storing, acquiring, transferring, or selling firearms (other than smooth-bore hunting guns), ammunition, explosives, and devices without a valid permit. Violations can lead to imprisonment of 3 to 7 years. Similar rules apply to carrying, producing, repairing, and selling cold weapons such as daggers, Finnish knives, and brass knuckles without proper authorization, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for up to 3 years. However, those who voluntarily surrender their weapons to authorities may avoid penalties. Note that certain knives, like kitchen knives, are not considered cold weapons and thus don’t require permits.

Gas Spray and Electroshock Weapons

Gas spray devices can be possessed by individuals aged 18 or older, but those designed for law enforcement or marked with the ‘M’ prefix are banned due to their high potential for injury and blindness. Electroshock weapons are heavily restricted; only specialized models like ИР-4 can be used by law enforcement, and civilians are prohibited from carrying them, with minor administrative penalties for violations.

Air Guns and Pneumatic Weapons

Citizens aged 18 and above can possess these, but they must not exceed a caliber of 45mm and a projectile speed of 100 meters per second. If both these thresholds are exceeded, a permit is required. Other air guns don’t necessitate permits.

Totalitarian Regime Symbols

Propaganda, production, distribution, and public displays of symbols from totalitarian regimes, such as the communist hammer and sickle or Nazi swastika, are prohibited, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to 5 years. Additionally, wearing military uniforms or insignia during martial law is banned for civilians, except in specific cases, with administrative penalties for violations.

Fireworks

In Ukraine, civilians can purchase and use only certain types of fireworks: Bengal lights, fountains, firework candles, and crackers (class F1).