Ukrainians rush to buy rifles, shotguns as police relax rules

As the restrictions relax a little, the Ukrainians are stocking up on guns as if it’s a basic necessity. Well, right now it may be because the Russians are still continuing on further invade and attack Ukraine.

“I can see that Russia will not stop, so I must stop them,” said Andrew Muzyka. Andrew is a web developer waiting with dozens of men outside a gun shop near Lviv’s medical university. The men receive fundamental instructions on how to operate a pistol at the store. They have to obtain additional police approval before being allowed to purchase a gun. The majority of models cost hundreds of dollars.

After withstanding far more severe resistance than they expected, Russian troops have yet to conquer a single major city over a week after launching an invasion in Ukraine. According to some experts, Russia will now rely on a merciless bombardment of densely populated areas to degrade Ukrainian resistance. 

Process to buy guns is now easier 

The procedure for purchasing such firearms has been simplified, according to the Lviv police. A process that previously took two or three weeks could now be completed in two or three days, said Muzkyka. He said he was thankful to other countries for their support, but knew they wouldn’t send troops to fight in Ukraine. “If we can’t save ourselves, nobody can,” he said.

One of those waiting for the ammunition was Oleh Lekhush. He said that the 500 people in his town’s civilian defense force had only about 20 firearms between them. Lekhush runs a restaurant. He has no prior military experience but to look for safety, he had to buy weapons.

“But when the tensions began on the border I started making preparations,” he said. “Unfortunately the only thing I didn’t do was buy a weapon. But I’m hoping I will get it as soon as I can,” Lekhush said he would buy whatever gun he gets and was willing to spend up to $2,000.

Not just Lekhush, many other civilians are ready to do anything to protect their loved ones and their country in times of crisis.