--- title: "Kyiv shopping malls operate under new rules from September 10: a yellow alert no longer means closure" description: "From September 10, 2026, the Kyiv shopping malls DREAM, RETROVILLE, RIVER MALL and Victoria Gardens are switching to a two-level mode: under a yellow alert (UAVs) the malls operate, while under a red alert (missiles) they close. TSUM and Ocean Plaza retain their own rules." date: 2026-09-10T10:52:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/kyiv-malls-new-air-raid-alert-rules-2026 tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Kyiv shopping malls operate under new rules from September 10: a yellow alert no longer means closure ![A shopper browsing jeans in a Kyiv shopping mall that continues operating under new yellow alert rules](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/10/kiev-trc-novyy-rezhim-vozdukhonaya-trevoga-2026/kiev-trc-novyy-rezhim-vozdukhonaya-trevoga-2026-1.webp) From September 10, 2026, a number of Kyiv shopping malls are switching to a differentiated operating mode during air-raid alerts. The decision is based on Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 1092, which introduced a two-level alert system: the yellow level indicates a threat from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while the red level indicates missile and mass strikes. When a yellow level is declared, the DREAM, RETROVILLE, RIVER MALL and Victoria Gardens shopping malls continue to operate, whereas under a red level they close completely and direct visitors and staff to shelters. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing official statements from the malls themselves. ### How the two-level system works Under the new mechanism, shopping malls are not required to cease operations when a yellow-level threat is in effect. However, as mall representatives emphasize, the alert signal should not be ignored: visitors and staff are recommended to move to a shelter whenever possible. The final decision — whether to stay in the sales floor or move to a safe zone — is left to each individual. A similar principle applies at the level of individual tenants: each store or establishment independently decides whether to continue operating or to close its doors. The malls publish up-to-date lists of tenants suspending operations on their social media channels and websites, so it is recommended to check the schedule of a specific store before visiting. ### Specifics of individual malls' modes Each shopping mall has developed its own evacuation logistics. At DREAM, visitors are directed to shelters at the "Minska," "Obolon," and "Heroiv Dniepra" metro stations. At RIVER MALL, a temporary shelter is set up on the minus-second level of the underground parking, with the route marked by navigational arrows. RETROVILLE operates a special evening protocol: if an alert begins or continues after 9:00 PM, only the NOVUS hypermarket and one checkout remain open in the building, and the mall itself resumes operations the following day. Shelter location maps are available in the "Kyiv Digital" app and on the navigational maps inside each mall. ### Contradictory data Although Cabinet of Ministers Decree No. 1092 establishes a uniform two-level standard for all businesses, its implementation in practice is uneven. In response to a request from RBC-Ukraine, the TSUM department store stated that it still closes during any air-raid alert regardless of the type of threat: "All guests and staff proceed to the nearest shelter at the "Teatralna" or "Kreshchatyk" metro station." Thus, formally, TSUM is not switching to a "yellow = open" mode. Ocean Plaza also states that "the level or color of the danger does not matter," and during any alert it closes its sales areas, with the exception of the minus-first floor, where a safe space has been set up featuring an Auchan store and service points. As a result, the uniform state standard coexists with the internal regulations of individual malls, which maintain a stricter order. ### Practical recommendations for visitors Before visiting a shopping mall under an active alert, it is advisable to check the current status of the specific mall and the store you need on their official social media channels or website. If you are inside the building when a yellow level is declared, it is recommended to follow the navigational signs to the nearest shelter, without disregarding the siren signal. Under a red level, all sales areas close without exception, and visitors are required to leave the premises toward the nearest shelter. The new rules, which took effect on September 10, do not mean automatic closure of stores for every UAV threat — the final decision about staying in the shopping mall is left to the visitor. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [Kyiv shopping malls settle on a new operating mode: who stays open during a yellow alert](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/trts-kievi-viznachilis-novim-rezhimom-roboti-1789037384.html) - Подтверждено по источнику rbc.ua - [Ballistic attack on Kyiv: homes, shopping malls and cars catch fire, there are casualties](https://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2026/07/19/8044755/) - Подтверждено по источнику pravda.com.ua