Panel Building Residents Warned of Shelter Risks by Chornovol After Kyiv Attack

Urgent Caution Urged During Air Raids

According to Главком: Tetyana Chornovol, a former lawmaker and current military servicemember, has issued a stark warning to residents of panel-style apartment buildings about the dangers of seeking shelter inside them during air raids. Her alert comes after Russia launched a massive strike on Kyiv overnight on May 14, causing a nine-story residential block in the Darnytskyi district to partially collapse. Chornovol emphasized that such structures pose a unique threat because of their construction methods.

During the early hours of May 14, Russia carried out a large-scale combined attack on Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones. Explosions and falling debris were reported across the capital, including the Shevchenkivskyi, Pecherskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Obolonskyi, Solomianskyi, Desnianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Holosiivskyi districts. The assault damaged multiple residential apartment buildings, a business center, a car dealership, garages, non-residential facilities, and parked vehicles. A search-and-rescue operation is ongoing, as people may still be trapped under the rubble.

Why Panel Buildings Are Especially Dangerous

Chornovol highlighted that panel buildings can be particularly hazardous due to their structural design, which may cause them to collapse entirely, right down to the foundation, under a powerful impact.

“Panel buildings are not suitable as shelters. This is a photo of today's strike in Kyiv. I used to live nearby, and my childhood and youth were spent in a similar building,” she stated.

Architects also advise against taking refuge in the basements of panel buildings, especially older ones, because “they collapse all the way down, including the basements.”

Experts recommend that residents of rear cities who live in panel high-rises seek alternative shelters. Chornovol urged those living in such buildings to find safe spots during attacks, noting that

“it's terrifying in such a building even if you're being hit by something weak-an 80mm mortar. Even a strike on the opposite end shakes the basement.”

Monolithic frame and brick buildings, as well as newer structures with reinforced concrete frames, are considered more resilient to missile attacks.

• Specially equipped bomb shelters
• Subway stations
• Underground parking garages

Chornovol also stressed the importance of a building's foundation: “basements can only be safe if there is a solid base.” These warnings and recommendations are critical for the safety of Kyiv residents during the ongoing war and armed attacks. With the constant threat from Russia, understanding the risks associated with older panel buildings could save lives. As the conflict continues, it is essential for urban residents to follow expert advice and identify secure places to take cover during shelling.

In light of recent events, understanding the extent of the damage caused by the missile strikes is crucial. The recent attack on Kyiv not only resulted in destruction but also raised concerns about civilian safety in various types of buildings. For a deeper insight into the casualties and the overall impact of this devastating incident, you can read more about the missile strike on Kyiv.