In the midst of the ongoing conflict with Russia and frequent missile strikes, the deteriorating state of bomb shelters in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, has raised concerns among residents. A recently discovered Cold War-era bomb shelter, situated beneath an abandoned building in the city's east, serves as a grim reminder of the inadequate safety measures in place.
Once equipped with functioning toilets, water tanks, ventilation systems, and multiple entrances, the bomb shelter now lies in disarray. Trash obstructs the ventilation shaft, rendering it useless, and the absence of lighting makes it unsafe for use. Only a few homeless individuals seek refuge here. Local residents express frustration over the authorities' neglect of these purpose-built shelters, despite an official initiative to assess and improve their conditions.
The urgency to address the dilapidated shelters intensified following a tragic incident on June 1. A mother, her 9-year-old daughter, and another woman lost their lives when missile debris struck them as they attempted to enter a locked shelter in a Kyiv clinic during nighttime strikes. In response, a commission led by Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, inspected over 4,600 air-raid shelters in the city. The assessment revealed that 65 percent of the shelters were usable, 21 percent required repairs, and 14 percent were deemed unfit for purpose. Additionally, nearly a third of the shelters necessitated contacting someone with access to gain entry.
During the Soviet era, bomb shelters received regular maintenance and were built throughout the city due to the constant threat of nuclear war. However, since then, many shelters have fallen into disrepair. The shelter on Suleiman Stalsky Street, for instance, was illegally privatized and changed ownership multiple times. It is now unmarked on public shelter maps. Nevertheless, as the conflict with Russia intensified in 2022, residents sought refuge in this neglected shelter out of desperation. They brought beds, chairs, and benches to improve the conditions temporarily. However, the space became unsanitary due to shared occupancy with homeless individuals and drug addicts, prompting residents to abandon it.
While officials acknowledge the need for improvement, they face challenges in compelling owners to restore the premises. The Suleiman Stalsky Street bomb shelter, classified as "class 2" for blast wave protection, boasts a total area of 234 square meters and was designed to accommodate up to 350 people. Yet, according to a letter from district official Pavlo Babiy, the estimated cost of restoration, amounting to 1.8 million hryvnias ($51,000), is deemed economically infeasible.
Another shelter on Beresteiskiy Avenue in western Kyiv, primarily used for storage, displays similar signs of neglect. Rusty ventilation pipes, broken toilets, moldy walls, and peeling paint contribute to its deteriorated state. Despite some residents clearing out trash and adding basic furniture at the start of the conflict, most people are discouraged from utilizing the shelter due to its poor condition.
The safety concerns surrounding these neglected shelters raise critical questions about the city's preparedness and accessibility. Steep steps pose significant obstacles for elderly residents or those with mobility issues, highlighting the need for inclusive shelter designs. Recent tragedies have spurred temporary improvements, such as functioning electric lights, but long-term solutions remain elusive.
As residents grapple with the absence of adequate shelters, the hope for change persists. However, the normalization of living without a proper shelter has become an unfortunate reality in Kyiv, leaving many to question their chances of survival and the level of safety they can rely on during times of crisis.