Prevention of Illegal Handling of Weapons, Ammunition, or Explosives Among Military Personnel Who have Participated in Combat Operations

Abstract

In the current context of armed conflicts, the issue of controlling the circulation of weapons, ammunition, and explosives has become particularly pressing. Preventing the illegal handling of dangerous materials among military personnel who have participated in combat operations is a crucial element of national security and public order. This is because, in wartime, the number of weapons in the hands of both military personnel and the civilian population has increased significantly. Service members who have directly participated in combat operations possess unique experience in handling weapons, but this very circumstance can create additional risks upon their return to civilian life. First and foremost, it should be noted that participation in combat operations shapes a specific experience of interacting with weapons among service members, which in peacetime can transform into risky patterns of behavior. Combat experience, acclimatization to a constant threat to life, heightened anxiety, and potential manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder all affect an individual's ability to adequately assess the consequences of using weapons outside of service. Under such conditions, weapons may be perceived not only as a means of self-defense but also as a tool for resolving conflicts, which increases the risk of criminal offenses. During periods of active hostilities, keeping track of weapons and ammunition can become difficult, creating conditions for their loss or illegal appropriation. Illegal possession carries criminal liability (Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), but voluntary surrender exempts one from it (a person who voluntarily surrenders weapons, ammunition, explosives, or explosive devices to the authorities is exempt from criminal liability).