Ukraine could become a major hub for illegal arms trade – The Times

Ukraine could become a major European hub for illegal arms trade after the war.

This was reported by The Times.

According to the publication, a vast amount of weaponry, including unregistered and captured arms, will remain in the country after the war ends.

This could lead to the criminalization of the arms trade by veterans and the illegal export of weapons to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The article draws a parallel with the former Yugoslavia, which, for decades after the conflict ended in 2001, became a key “arsenal” for criminals and terrorists in Europe.

“Without strict post-war control, Ukraine could turn into a Yugoslav-style arms market,” the article states.

“If even a small number of returning Ukrainian veterans become involved in organized crime, the consequences for Europe’s law and order could be profound,” experts warn.

It is noted that in the first days of the war alone, more than 25,000 assault rifles and about 10 million rounds of ammunition were distributed to volunteers in Kyiv, along with grenade launchers and missile systems.

As a result, post-war Ukraine “could turn into a Kalashnikov society,” where disputes once settled with fists may now be resolved with firearms.

The report also states that Ukrainians may have between one and five million unregistered weapons in their possession.

Another issue is the lack of clear gun ownership laws in the country. Ukraine is the only country in Europe where this matter is regulated by Interior Ministry orders rather than formal legislation, creating opportunities for misuse.

As a reminder, journalist Tucker Carlson recently called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be accused of political assassinations and reselling U.S. weapons.

Previously, Financial Times reported that Ukraine is “moving toward lifting” its ban on arms exports to profit from drone sales and scale up their production.