Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in Simple Terms: What Is Robbery and What Punishment Is Provided

Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine establishes criminal liability for robbery – an attack on a person with the purpose of seizing another’s property, during which the offender uses violence dangerous to life or health or threatens its use. Punishment for such a crime ranges from 3 to 15 years imprisonment depending on the circumstances of the attack.

What Does Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine Mean?

According to the Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, robbery belongs to criminal offenses against property. At the same time, the law protects not only property but also human life and health.

For actions to be recognized as robbery, the following signs must be present:

• attack on a person;
• aim to seize another’s money, items, or other property;
• use of violence dangerous to life or health;
• threat to apply such violence, even if the attacker actually did not injure anyone.

The main factor is the nature of the violence or threat. For example, when a criminal puts a knife to a person’s throat and demands a phone, their actions may fall under Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Is an Attack Considered Robbery if Nothing Was Stolen?

Yes. Robbery is considered a completed crime from the moment of an attack combined with dangerous violence or a corresponding threat.

For example, an attacker threatened a person with a knife demanding money, but the victim escaped. If the investigation proves the necessary signs of the crime, the absence of stolen property does not exclude liability for robbery.

This legal position is confirmed by the practice of the Supreme Court, including the ruling dated March 18, 2021, in case No. 161/12878/19.

What Punishment Does Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine Provide?

The article contains four parts. Each defines liability for robbery depending on the method of committing the crime, the number of participants, consequences, and other circumstances.

Part 1 of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – Ordinary Robbery

Part 1 of Article 187 concerns an attack with the purpose of seizing another’s property if the attacker applied dangerous violence or threatened to apply it.

Punishment – from 3 to 7 years imprisonment.

Part 2 of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – Group or Repeat Robbery

Part 2 provides for stricter liability if:

• the attack was carried out by several persons by prior conspiracy;
• the attacker previously committed robbery or banditry.

Punishment – from 7 to 10 years imprisonment with property confiscation.

Prior conspiracy means that participants agreed to commit the crime jointly before its start.

Part 3 of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – Robbery with Break-in

Part 3 is applied when robbery is combined with penetrating someone’s home, other premises, or a storage.

Punishment – from 7 to 12 years imprisonment with property confiscation.

For example, offenders entered a house, threatened the owner with a weapon, and demanded that valuables be handed over.

Part 4 of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – Especially Dangerous Robbery

Part 4 covers cases where robbery:

• is aimed at seizing property in large or especially large amounts;
• is committed by an organized group;
• is committed under martial law or a state of emergency;
• is combined with causing serious bodily injury.

Punishment – from 8 to 15 years imprisonment with property confiscation.

Qualification under Part 4 has significant consequences. In particular, robbery under martial law is directly indicated in the law as an aggravating circumstance.

How Does Robbery Differ from Theft and Mugging?

These crimes are often confused, although the law distinguishes them by the method of seizing property and the nature of violence.

Criminal Offense	Main Difference
Theft – Art. 185 CCU	Secret theft of another’s property
Mugging – Art. 186 CCU	Open theft, possible violence which is not dangerous to life or health
Robbery – Art. 187 CCU	Attack with dangerous violence or threat of such violence

For example, secretly taking a wallet from a pocket is theft. Openly snatching a bag from a person’s hands – under certain circumstances mugging. Threatening with a knife demanding the bag – robbery.

The final qualification is determined based on evidence and specific circumstances of the case.

What Rights Does a Victim Have Under Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine?

A person who has suffered from a robbery attack has procedural rights regardless of the value of the stolen property.

According to Articles 55-57 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, the victim can:

• file a crime report and receive confirmation of its registration;
• provide evidence, file motions, and use the assistance of a representative;
• demand compensation for material and moral damages;
• appeal procedural decisions in the manner prescribed by law;
• request security measures if there are appropriate grounds.

The victim may also participate in court proceedings and express their position regarding the punishment of the accused.

What Duties Does the Victim Have?

The law establishes not only rights but also certain obligations.

The victim must:

• appear upon summons by the investigator, prosecutor, or court or notify in advance of valid reasons for non-appearance;
• not impede the establishment of the circumstances of the crime;
• not disclose without permission the legally protected secret obtained during the proceedings.

These requirements help ensure proper consideration of the criminal case.

What Rights Does a Suspect in Robbery Have?

A suspicion under Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine does not mean automatic recognition of guilt. The prosecution must prove guilt, and it is the court that establishes it.

Article 42 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine guarantees the suspect the right to:

• know the essence of the suspicion;
• use the assistance of a lawyer;
• refuse to testify against themselves;
• submit evidence and file motions;
• appeal decisions and actions of law enforcement officers.

At the same time, the suspect is obliged to comply with lawful procedural requirements and the duties imposed by the court.

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Robbery?

After an attack, it is important to ensure safety, medical assistance, and preservation of evidence.

1. Move to a safe place. Do not try to pursue the armed attacker on your own.
2. Call the police at 102. If there are injuries, call an ambulance at 103.
3. Preserve evidence. Record the attacker’s features, witnesses’ contacts, save camera recordings and medical documents.
4. File a report of the criminal offense. Obtain confirmation of its acceptance.
5. Monitor registration of the investigation. Demand an extract from the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations.

According to Article 214 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, the investigator or prosecutor must enter information into the registry immediately, but no later than 24 hours after receiving the statement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine