The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that allows border guards to use weapons and military equipment.
The bill grants border guards the right to carry out a visual inspection of persons, things, vehicles and a personal examination of detainees, to inspect and, if necessary, seize things that may be material evidence or cause harm to the life or health of people.
Border guards will also be able to use and apply “means of visual and technical observation and fixation, technical means of border control, lighting and signaling equipment, engineering ammunition, buildings and barriers to protect and guard the border.”
The document also allows the use of handcuffs, helmets, tying nets, rubber and plastic batons, means filled with tear and irritant substances, means of forcibly stopping a vehicle.
It is also allowed to use firearms, in particular, to repel an attack on a serviceman or an employee of the State Border Service in the event of a threat to their life or health, to protect people from attack, to release hostages or persons illegally deprived of their liberty.
The law will come into force on November 19, after its publication.