---
title: "Ban on Cluttering and Cameras in Bunkers: Verkhovna Rada Adopts New Shelter Law"
description: "The Verkhovna Rada has passed in the first reading a bill banning the use of shelters for unintended purposes and installing surveillance cameras. The document introduces liability for blocking entrances and a moratorium on terminating shelter leases."
date: 2026-08-19T09:26:06.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/rada-adopted-shelter-law-ban-and-cameras-en
tags: [ukraine, parliament, air-raid-shelters, legislation, safety]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ban on Cluttering and Cameras in Bunkers: Verkhovna Rada Adopts New Shelter Law

![A citizen with a muzzled dog rests on the street, waiting for an air raid alarm, illustrating daily life under new shelter regulations](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/19/rada-prinyala-zakon-ob-ukritiyakh-zapret-i-kamery/rada-prinyala-zakon-ob-ukritiyakh-zapret-i-kamery-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The Rada banned using shelters as warehouses and introduced mandatory inspections.
- Liability is introduced for blocking entrances to shelters.
- Installation of surveillance cameras in protective structures is planned.

On August 19, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine took a significant step in enhancing citizen safety by passing Bill No. 15397 in the first reading. Authored by the 'European Solidarity' faction, the document aims to fundamentally change the rules for the use and maintenance of protective structures. Deputies voted for the basis of the law, which introduces strict restrictions for tenants and owners of premises used as shelters.

### Ban on Commercial Use and Cluttering

The key innovation of the bill is a direct ban on the use of shelters for purposes other than intended. In practice, this means that premises designed to protect the population during air raids can no longer be used as warehouses, offices, or places for storing personal belongings. Deputies intend to eradicate the practice where bunker entrances are blocked by foreign objects, which puts people's lives at risk in the event of a sudden attack.

### Technical Control and Monthly Inspections

To ensure transparency and accessibility of shelters, the bill provides for the mandatory installation of video surveillance systems. Cameras must record the condition of entrances and the presence of obstacles. Additionally, a requirement for monthly inspections of protective structures is introduced. This will allow for the prompt detection of violations and the prosecution of those responsible, without waiting for tragic incidents.

### Protection of Tenants' Rights and Liability for Obstructions

Under martial law, the bill introduces a moratorium on the termination of lease agreements for premises used as shelters. This is intended to guarantee that shelters will not be closed or transferred to other use at critical moments. It is also proposed to introduce liability for individuals who physically prevent citizens from entering a shelter. A blocked entrance or refusal of access may become grounds for legal prosecution.

### Modular Shelters and Accessibility Issues

The document also contains a provision for increasing the number of rapidly deployable modular shelters in public places. This is a response to criticism from the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, who previously pointed out that most existing shelters have serious shortcomings. In particular, they are often inaccessible to people with disabilities or overcrowded, which reduces their effectiveness.

### Contradictory Data

Despite unanimous support for the initiative in the first reading, there are still disputes in society regarding the implementation of some provisions. In particular, Kyiv residents and experts are discussing the appropriateness of installing tents at metro stations during attacks. On the one hand, this allows for more people to be accommodated; on the other, citizens complain that tents take up too much space, hindering movement and access to exits. The bill currently does not give a clear answer to this question, leaving it to the discretion of local authorities.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Shelter requirements to be strengthened: Rada takes first step](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/vimogi-ukrittiv-posilyat-rada-zrobila-pershiy-1787131426.html) - Подтверждено принятие законопроекта №15397 в первом чтении 19 августа.
- [Rada passes 'European Solidarity' shelter bill in first reading](https://www.obozrevatel.com/novosti-obschestvo/rada-prinyala-v-pervom-chtenii-zakonoproekt-evrosolidarnosti-ob-ukryitii.htm) - Подтверждены детали законопроекта: запрет на использование не по назначению, камеры, проверки.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What does the new shelter law prohibit?
**A:** The bill prohibits using shelters for unintended purposes, such as warehouses or offices.

### Q: Will there be cameras in bunkers?
**A:** Yes, the bill provides for the mandatory installation of video surveillance systems.

### Q: Can a shelter lease be terminated?
**A:** During martial law, a ban on terminating lease agreements for such premises is planned.