Russia's National Guard (Rosgvardia) has launched an amnesty programme allowing citizens to surrender firearms and avoid penalties for minor firearm-related infractions, as it seeks to cheaply supplement military supplies at the front in Ukraine.

This initiative comes as Russia aims to expand access to weaponry while the its invasion of Ukraine continues to deplete current stockpiles.

The Rosgvardia scheme waives penalties for minor administrative firearm offences. Under this initiative, Russian citizens who voluntarily contribute firearms for military use are exempt from fines for non-serious violations, such as delayed registration or re-registration. According to current law, individual offenders may face fines up to RUB3,000 ($30) and officials up to RUB5,000 ($50). The amnesty follows legislative changes passed in August 2024 that enable Rosgvardia to redirect confiscated or donated firearms to military units at the front.

To facilitate the process, Rosgvardia has introduced an online platform on its website where citizens can register their intent to donate firearms. Officials have highlighted the need for multi-shot firearms, rifles and other tactical weapons to support military operations. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to regulate domestic weapon flows amid reports of increased illegal arms trafficking from the Ukrainian conflict zone.

The programme has strong legislative support, notably from State Duma Deputy Alexander Khinshtein, who has promoted the initiative, arguing that repurposing surplus firearms benefits both the state and the military. Khinshtein outlined a guide on his Telegram channel explaining how citizens can donate firearms to support Russian forces.

“The Rosgvardia amnesty applies when citizens contribute their weapons for the Special Military Operation, ensuring that rather than being penalised for minor storage violations, their patriotic gesture is recognised,” he wrote. “The agency now exempts gun owners with minor offences from liability if they donate their weapons for the Special Military Operation.”