University Investigation Finds No Evidence of Kyiv Students Denied Shelter; Security Measures to Be Strengthened

Clarifying the Shelter Access Incident at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Claims that students at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv were prevented from entering shelters during an air raid alert on September 22 have been thoroughly investigated and found to be unsubstantiated. On the day of the incident, a special investigative team along with juvenile inspectors from the Holosiivskyi Police Department promptly arrived at the shelter site. They conducted a detailed inspection of all entrances and access points and detected no violations.

Further inspection on September 23 was carried out by a team including:

• First Vice-Rector Mykola Pohoretskyi,
• Student Parliament Chair Viktoriia Savosik,
• Deputy Chief Engineer,
• The university’s fire safety service,
• And the building maintenance department.

This joint examination involved discussions with university administration and various students, including those who had voiced concerns and those present in the shelter during the alert. It confirmed that students were not denied access to the shelters.

According to the university’s official statement: 'On Tuesday, September 22, reports emerged alleging students were blocked from entering shelters during the air raid alarm. The same day, an investigative team and juvenile inspectors from the Holosiivskyi Police Department inspected the shelter and all access points. No breaches were found.'

The incident was addressed during a rectorate meeting, resulting in a decision to enhance safety protocols and mandate a renewed safety briefing for all staff and students. Acting Rector Valerii Kopiika emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, 'We have resolved to strengthen security efforts and instructed all department heads to conduct mandatory refresher training for employees and students, including familiarizing them with evacuation plans and procedures for air raid alerts or other emergencies.'

Social media had circulated claims that students from the university’s Economics Faculty were redirected to the metro station due to overcrowded shelters. However, these accounts were disproved following comprehensive checks.

This situation highlights the critical need for rigorous safety compliance within educational institutions, especially amid emergencies. The university’s proactive response and planned training sessions aim to improve awareness and preparedness among its community, ensuring swift and effective action in future threats.