Ukraine is set to review the requirements for businesses operating during a yellow air raid alert. There are plans to give businesses extra time to set up shelters, to allow the use of protective structures outside business premises, and to introduce more flexible requirements depending on the number of employees and visitors. This was announced on 29 October by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi.
- The government has proposed updating the rules governing the operation of businesses during a yellow air quality alert.
- There are plans to give businesses more time to set up shelters or safe spaces.
- The requirements will depend on the number of staff and visitors present on the premises at any one time.
- Businesses will be allowed to use the nearest shelters, provided there is sufficient capacity.
What changes are planned to the requirements for shelters?
According to Koretsky’s, the government is proposing a tailored approach to ensuring the safety of staff and visitors.
First and foremost, the requirements for protective structures will depend on the number of people who may be present at the premises at any one time. The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of the Interior are to publish the detailed criteria.
Furthermore, businesses will not be required to set up their own shelters directly on their premises. Under the new proposals, Businesses will be able to make use of the protective structures nearby, provided they have sufficient capacity.
Possible solutions under consideration also include mobile shelters, safe areas inside buildings and ensuring access to the nearest underground shelters.
Businesses will be given extra time to prepare
The current procedure, approved by a government decreeDecree No. 1092, provides for the transitional period for businesses without shelters to end on 4 December 2026. The government is now proposing to give businesses more time to comply with the requirements.
Koretskyy stated that military administrations must compile information on the readiness of enterprises by 4 March 2027. The government will take further decisions based on this data.
At the same time, the Prime Minister did not specify a new final date for the end of the transition period. A corresponding regulatory decision is required to change it.
How businesses will operate during yellow and red alerts
The system, introduced in September, provides for two levels of air hazard.
The yellow alert level indicates a threat of a drone attack. When this alert is in force, businesses may continue to operate provided they comply with the established safety requirements.
The red alert is declared in the event of a missile, combined or large-scale drone threat. In such cases, work must be halted and people must be moved to shelters.
Koretsky emphasised that postponing the requirements would not mean they were being scrapped. According to him, a significant proportion of businesses have not even begun to implement basic safety measures.
