Despite numerous petitions from residents of the capital, the Kyiv City Military Administration (KMMA) does not plan to open ground metro stations during airstrikes. As KMMA spokesman Mykhailo Shamanov stated on Hromadske Radio, this decision is associated with a risk to people's lives and health due to possible falling debris from downed missiles and drones.
Mikhail Shamanov explained that during the work of the air defense forces (ADF) in the capital, downed missiles and drones can leave behind fragments that fall to the ground. They do not dissolve in the air and pose a potential threat to people. That is why during the alarm, those sections of the metro that are located on the surface are blocked.
"When air defense forces are operating in the capital, debris from downed objects can fall to the ground. This poses a danger, so we are forced to close those metro stations that are located on the surface. People's safety is our priority," the KMVA spokesman noted.
Despite numerous appeals from citizens and petitions regarding the opening of surface metro stations during the alarms, the KMVA does not change its position. According to Shamanov, even despite the inconvenience for residents and guests of the capital, people's health and safety remain in the first place.
“I understand that this is inconvenient for people. We have all been living outside our comfort zone for the third year, but the lives and health of Ukrainians are a priority. We cannot take risks by opening metro stations that are on the surface,” he added.
Why is this important?
The decision to close the above-ground metro stations in Kyiv is made due to the risks for passengers, especially during the active phase of missile attacks by Russian troops. Despite the improvement of air defense, it is impossible to completely protect the city from falling debris. Therefore, the administration emphasizes the need to maintain strict security measures.
The city authorities urge citizens to continue to observe safety measures during air raids and to use underground metro stations as shelters. The safety of citizens remains a priority even in the difficult conditions of a protracted war.
Recall that since November 17, Ukraine has been implementing power outage schedules due to massive attacks on energy infrastructure. This has also affected the functioning of urban transport, which also requires adaptation to new conditions.
