Conclusion

While the situation seems relatively stable, with only a slight increase in household ownership of firearms, it is still necessary to monitor household civilian possession. This is important because it can intersect with the anticipated future rise in criminal violence and intensify the severity and lethality of violent incidents, whether on the streets or in homes, including cases of domestic or intimate-partner violence. Ukrainians are already experiencing increased crime victimization and are arming themselves for security.

It is also essential to closely observe the outflow of firearms from the areas of military operations in light of the non-proliferation framework embraced by the Ukrainian authorities; however, in anticipation of a certain level of firearms proliferation despite these efforts, women—who typically display more negative perceptions towards firearms, do not personally own or carry them, and generally do not feel that their households would be safer with firearms—could be considered an ally for risk management.