The night ballistic attack on Kyiv, which claimed lives and left fires in the Obolon and Sviatoshyn districts, has sparked a new wave of rumors. Information instantly spread across social media claiming that metro stations were forbidden from opening their doors to citizens during the air raid. However, reality proved far removed from these panic-driven speculations: the underground operated in normal mode, becoming the only reliable shelter for more than 56,000 people.

Debunking Rumors: Facts vs. Fakes

The trigger for the discussion was the activity of volunteer Serhiy Sternenko, who published complaints from Kyiv residents on his social media. People claimed they were not allowed into the stations, and some found them overcrowded or closed before the alarm even began. The situation, seemingly requiring immediate investigation, was promptly clarified by the municipal enterprise "Kyiv Metro".

The official statement reads: all stations of the capital's underground were open to passengers immediately after the air raid siren. Tens of thousands of residents hid in the metro, and no mass refusals of access were recorded.

Service Areas: The Cause of Misunderstandings

So, where did the rumors of closed doors come from? The metro explained that isolated incidents were linked to attempts by civilians to enter service zones. Underground workers were forced to ask people to leave technical passages and move to the platforms.

"Service rooms and technical passages are not intended for public presence and remain closed for safety reasons," the enterprise emphasized. It was precisely these precautionary measures, designed to protect people from technical risks, that were mistakenly interpreted as a refusal to provide shelter.

Safety Recommendations

Given the ongoing war and regular attacks, "Kyiv Metro" has issued clear recommendations for citizens to avoid panic and crushing in the future:

  • Come to the stations in advance, taking into account the schedule for the end of regular metro operations.
  • Choose central stations, where the space allows for a comfortable accommodation of a larger number of people.
  • Do not attempt to enter service rooms, following the instructions of the staff.

The night attack reminded everyone of the importance of discipline and trust in official sources of information. While fakes sow panic, the real figures — 56,000 lives saved — indicate that the civil defense system in Kyiv is working effectively.