From September 10, 2026, updated safety rules have taken effect in Kyiv, affecting key aspects of everyday life in the capital: the curfew schedule, the operation of public transport, the functioning of the metro during air alerts, and the working hours of commercial facilities. This was announced by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in his Telegram channel, and confirmed by RBC-Ukraine, Interfax, TASS, and Gazeta.ru. The changes were introduced against the backdrop of continuous attacks by jet-powered drones, which have led to more than ten air alerts being declared in the city every day.
Curfew shortened by one hour, transport runs longer
Starting September 10, the nighttime restrictions in the capital apply on a new schedule — from 01:00 to 05:00. Thus, the duration of the curfew has been reduced by 60 minutes compared to the previous regime. Following this, the operating hours of public transport have been extended by one hour, allowing passengers to get home or to their destination without violating the restrictions. Meanwhile, the schedules of food service establishments, shopping and entertainment centers, and leisure facilities have remained unchanged — they continue to operate on the previously approved timetables.
Special bus routes for passengers with delayed trains
Given that a significant portion of passengers arrive in the capital by rail, and trains are often delayed, the authorities have provided an additional service: during the curfew, four special bus routes will operate from the Central Railway Station. This decision is intended to prevent a situation in which a passenger arriving late is left without any means of reaching their place of residence. In addition, permission for the transit movement of large-sized vehicles at night has been retained, in effect since September 3, 2026.
Metro and surface transport: new regulations during alerts
The movement of underground transport during air alerts is now directly tied to the level of the declared threat: the higher the level of danger, the stricter the restrictions imposed on the operation of the metro. Separate movement regulations during danger notifications have also been established for cars and surface transport, determining which categories of vehicles may be on the roads and under what conditions. The specific parameters of these regulations are published depending on the current threat level.
Ban on street events and conditions for business operations
A temporary ban on holding any outdoor entertainment and sports events, as well as events in indoor venues without a shelter, has been introduced in the capital. Despite these restrictions, businesses — shopping centers, cafes, service sector facilities — may continue to operate under a "yellow" level of danger, provided they strictly comply with the safety protocols approved by the government and ensure unobstructed access for staff and visitors to shelters. Public service centers (CNAPs) and social institutions operate as usual under a "yellow" threat. Educational and medical institutions continue their activities under the previously approved rules.
Tracking the threat level via "Digital Kyiv"
To promptly inform residents about the current threat level and the restrictions in effect, Kyiv residents are advised to use the official "Digital Kyiv" application, where up-to-date information on the alert status, operating transport, and the availability of social facilities is published in real time. The introduction of the updated rules is driven by a sustained trend of continuous launches of jet-powered drones against the capital, which has resulted in more than ten alerts per day and necessitated a review of the previously applicable regulations to reduce the burden on citizens and the city's infrastructure.
