Underground parking lots are one of the most effective options for protecting people during Russian attacks, however there is a legal problem with their use as shelters. This was stated by Petro Panteleyev, deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration, in an interview with LIGA.net.
On the night of July 30, Russia again massively struck Kyiv and other cities. Thousands of people spent the night in shelters and at stations of the capital's metro – the latter once again became the main refuge for Kyiv residents. The new shelling has brought the question back to the fore: is the civil protection system in the capital really working as official reports suggest?
Among the most debated options are underground parking lots. Panteleyev gave a positive assessment of their use: "It can be quick and close to home, and there is appropriate ventilation and lighting."
The problem is not money, but the law
The official acknowledged that the main obstacle to using parking lots is not funding, but the regulatory framework.
"If we're talking about increasing the square meters of underground space without some massive investments, this is a measure that is purely related to regulatory changes in current legislation," Panteleyev said.
He also acknowledged that the city will not be able to use this resource on a mass scale, since a significant portion of parking lots are owned by private owners.
"We made such a proposal, but unfortunately, it has not been implemented at the legislative level today," the official explained.
Varying attitudes from business
According to Panteleyev, many representatives of private business "not only allow, but create conditions, care for people, bear costs and consider this their social mission in wartime."
At the same time, there are owners who "take a different approach" – and in such cases, people have no quick access to shelters in their buildings.
Context
- On the night of July 30, occupiers carried out another massive strike on Ukraine, using hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles of various types. There are casualties and wounded, particularly Kyiv and Lviv were under fire.
- An explosion also occurred in Poland during the attack, and a crater was discovered between villages in the Lublin Voivodeship. Foreign Minister Sybiga stated it was a Russian X-101 cruise missile. Foreign ministers of the two countries discussed air defense.
- President Zelensky held a meeting with military leadership and the Defense Ministry after the massive attack, with countering Russian ballistics among the topics discussed.
If legislative changes regarding private parking lots are not adopted before the next massive attack, Kyiv residents will once again find themselves facing the same choice: run to the metro or hope that the owner of the nearest parking lot will open the doors.
