Why Kyiv’s metro has become a shelter again: a journalist’s two-night experience

In the first half of 2026, Russia stepped up its air strikes on Ukraine. Since early summer, after Ukraine’s armed forces intensified attacks on Russian regions far from the border, the Russian military has hit Ukrainian cities even harder. Kyiv remains a primary target, so residents are once again sheltering in the metro. On the evening of July 24, President Zelensky warned of a possible massive missile strike within 48 hours.

According to UN data, about 1,400 civilians were killed and nearly 8,000 wounded across Ukraine over six months. June was the deadliest month since April 2022, with at least 293 deaths. On the night of July 2, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Kyiv, with nearly 500 drones and 74 missiles of various types.

Journalist Iryna Olehova arrived at the metro around 10:40 p.m., before any air raid siren. She brought a sleeping pad, blanket, power bank, water, and snacks. At Beresteiskyi Avenue station, the entrance was busy: a shawarma stand still open, people with backpacks. The station let people in without tickets, and one escalator was off, so everyone walked down.

On the platform, tents, mattresses, and blankets were already set up. She found a spot near a column and observed others: a mother nursing a baby, a woman who was in Kyiv for the first time and scared of a strike, a man with a dog resembling Patron. Around 11:15 p.m., the last train left, and escalators stopped. Lights dimmed, and a hum came from the tunnels.

During the night, a loud bell rang, followed by a rumble from the tunnel – track repair workers passed by on a special tram. At 1:23 a.m., the threat of a strike passed, but at 2:27 a.m., an air raid alert sounded again, ending without an attack on Kyiv. At 4:45 a.m., staff announced the station would soon open.

This story shows how Ukrainians adapt to constant attacks, finding peace even underground among strangers.