The Kyiv City State Administration has responded to the discussion among Kyiv residents regarding tents in the subway during emergency alerts
The Kyiv City Military Administration stated that the issue of using tents in the capital’s subway system during air raid alerts requires separate discussion, and that the introduction of certain restrictions cannot be ruled out in the future.
The issue gained widespread attention following another massive Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of June 2, when thousands of the capital’s residents took shelter in the metro system.
According to Kateryna Pop, Kyiv Metro employees help people find shelter at stations every night and try to ensure access for everyone who needs it.
At the same time, she emphasized that the metro is a critical piece of transportation infrastructure, so there are limits to its capacity.
“Regarding capacity, the metro is critical transportation infrastructure, so it is difficult for us to discuss increasing the metro’s capacity. However, given the need, it would be advisable to discuss the accommodation situation or certain restrictions with the management of the Kyiv Metro to ensure the comfort of everyone who comes to the metro during an air raid alert,” Pop said.
She added that the issue of using tents could be discussed at public hearings or in the Kyiv Public Council.
The Kyiv City State Administration emphasizes that no decision to ban tents has been made at this time.
At the same time, the administration’s spokesperson did not rule out that such an issue could be considered in the future.
“The issue is complex, but considering the people who are in shelters, we need to be as tolerant as possible so that more people can find a place for themselves during an air raid alert and be safe,” Pop noted.
Following the nighttime attack, an active discussion unfolded on social media regarding the appropriateness of using tents at metro stations.
Some users believe that the tents take up too much space and create inconveniences for other people who are also seeking shelter during air raid alerts.
One Kyiv resident said that she and her friends couldn’t find a free spot at the station because of the large number of tents set up there.
“Girls, maybe you could squeeze into our tent? You can lie down next to me here? How much more can you cram in? There are three of us here, and there’s not enough space,” she quoted people from a neighboring tent as saying.
According to the woman, she responded by reminding them that the subway is not a hotel during an air raid alert, and the main purpose of being there is to save lives and ensure people’s safety.
At the same time, other social media users support the use of tents, emphasizing that during air raid alerts lasting several hours, people need to have at least minimal conditions for rest, especially when it comes to families with children or the elderly.
Thus, the issue of setting up tents in the Kyiv metro during air raid alerts remains open and may become the subject of a separate discussion between city authorities and the public.
This was reported by Kyiv City State Administration spokesperson Kateryna Pop on the "Rano.Live" program.
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