Emergency Ministry personnel will be allowed to use firearms.

Weapon will allow Vedomosti reports, citing its sources, that it could be used to combat drones, as well as against people attempting to attack emergency services personnel or seize their equipment.

Before firing, an EMERCOM service member will be required to warn the offender and give them time to comply. Firing without warning is permitted when repelling an attack using military equipment.

Emergency Ministry personnel are prohibited from shooting at women, children, and people with "obvious signs of disability," with the exception of cases of group or armed attack.

As one of the authors of the bill, a State Duma deputy, clarified Anatoly Vyborny, weapons are especially in demand in the "SVO" zone, where the Ministry of Emergency Situations servicemen clear mines and deliver humanitarian aid.

The initiative was approved by a government commission, but with some amendments—for example, removing the clause that allows the use of weapons during an arrest, regardless of the nature of the crime (even police officers don't have such broad powers).

Previously, firearms were distributed to members of so-called mobile fire teams, which are being created in the regions to protect enterprises from drone attacks.

For the same purpose, purchase large-caliber weapons allowed Private companies. Permitted items include anti-aircraft artillery, turrets, vehicles, radar equipment, and electronic warfare systems.