Kyiv's authorities have officially presented the updated procedure for the operation of economic entities during the yellow danger level. This was announced by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in his Telegram channel, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. According to the government's decision, the new rules take effect from 00:00 on September 10, 2026, and primarily affect shopping centers, stores, and other retail facilities in the capital. The key principle of the innovation is that businesses will be able to continue operating provided they have a properly equipped shelter for staff and visitors, or, in the absence of one, by agreement with the workforce during a transition period not exceeding three months from the date the resolution enters into force.
Business will continue to operate: shelter or agreement with the workforce
According to Klitschko, economic entities of various forms of ownership will be able to carry out their activities in accordance with the government's decision. Specifically, this means that during the yellow danger level, a store or shopping center will not be automatically closed each time a drone threat is announced. If the facility has a shelter that meets safety requirements, it is entitled to receive and serve visitors in the normal mode. In cases where no shelter is available, the company retains the right to operate, but must agree on the course of action with the workforce. This mechanism is transitional: it is designed for a period of up to three months, during which entrepreneurs will be able to bring their facilities into compliance with the new standards.
The decision to stay inside is up to the visitor
Particular attention in the mayor's message is given to the issue of personal responsibility of visitors. The presence of citizens in retail and service facilities during the yellow danger level is carried out solely at their own discretion. In other words, the final decision on whether to remain inside a store or shopping center during an air raid alert is made by the visitor themselves. City authorities emphasize that the new rules do not provide for forced evacuation or the automatic cessation of operations of retail facilities at every drone threat. At the same time, the city will continue to provide Kyiv residents with the necessary public services: CNAPs (one-stop service centers) and institutions providing social services will continue to operate.
Schools and healthcare — under the previous safety protocols
Separately, Klitschko clarified the operating procedure for educational institutions and medical facilities. Both sectors will continue to function in accordance with the previously established safety protocols, which are not changed under the new resolution. City authorities are already carrying out the necessary organizational measures to ensure the implementation of the adopted decisions in practice. All changes take effect from 00:00 on September 10, 2026.
Context: new alerts and the shortening of the curfew
The new rules for business are introduced against the backdrop of a series of other changes in Kyiv's civil defense system. Thus, from September 6, 2026, an updated system of alerts about air threats has been put into operation in the capital, in which the color of the signal indicates a specific type of danger, not simply the fact of its presence. In addition, the Kyiv Defense Council decided to shorten the duration of the curfew in the capital, which also affected the schedule of the city's public transport. The combination of these measures indicates an attempt by city authorities to synchronize the security regime with the everyday life of residents and ensure the sustainability of economic activity amid ongoing air threats.
