Almost 42,000 people—including 3,400 children—took shelter in Kyiv's metro stations during Russia's mass aerial attack on the Ukrainian capital overnight on 15 June, municipal operator KP Kyivskyi Metropoliten reported.
The figures underscore the scale of civilian displacement during major strikes: Russia launched 681 aerial weapons that night—70 rockets and 611 drones of various types—the largest single recorded salvo against Ukraine. Air defenses intercepted 632 by 08:00, but 20 ballistic missiles and 27 strike drones reached their targets across 42 locations.
Metro system operates as city-wide shelter network
All 46 underground stations function as shelters around the clock during air alerts, with all vestibules open for entry, the operator said. During the overnight attack, crowding at some stations prompted an advisory: commuters were directed toward central stations—Zoloti Vorota, Teatralna, Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Khreshchatyk, Ploshcha Ukrainskykh Heroiv, and Palats Sportu—as less congested alternatives.
The operator noted average temperatures inside shelters run at 17–18°C and recommended residents bring warm clothing, blankets, or sleeping mats. Shelter-seekers were also advised to carry water or hot drinks, necessary medications, and hygiene supplies including wet and dry wipes. Those traveling with pets were advised to bring pads and bags. Bulky items—tents and inflatable mattresses in particular—were discouraged to preserve floor space for other sheltering residents, and the operator asked people to keep access paths to service rooms, restrooms, and trains clear at all times.
Five killed in Kyiv as strikes hit cultural landmarks
Five people were killed in Kyiv in the attack and 35 were injured, including two children, with rescue operations still ongoing at the time of reporting. Among the sites struck were the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Mystetskyi Arsenal arts complex adjacent to it, and the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio, where the attack destroyed Ukraine's largest and oldest stage costume collection. Ballistic missiles also reached Dnipro and Kharkiv.
