The government is introducing a two-tier alert system to respond to large-scale drone attacks—at the same time, Kyiv will ease curfew restrictions and adjust the operation of the metro and ground transportation.
This is reported by Dengi.ua, citing Serhiy Koretskyi.
Why Are Yellow and Red Alert Levels Being Introduced?
The Prime Minister announced the preparation of new measures in response to changes in Russia’s tactics for striking Ukraine - the use of drones to disrupt civilian life in cities and normal economic activity.
The threat alert system will be updated: two danger levels - yellow and red - will be introduced. The General Staff and the Ukrainian Air Force, together with the government, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the State Emergency Service, will determine on a weekly basis which threat indicators warrant a yellow or red alert.
As a general rule, the yellow level will indicate drone incursions, while the red level will indicate a missile threat, including the risk of ballistic attacks and massive strikes.
What Will Change in Air Raid Siren Signals
The air raid siren sounds will also change depending on the threat level. Currently, the practice of sounding the siren a second time to signal the end of the alert has been discontinued—the siren now sounds only at the start of the alert.
Plans are underway to introduce clearer audio signals that are differentiated by threat level. According to Koretskyi the main goal is to give people and businesses more predictability regarding how to respond in each specific situation. A separate directive has been issued to develop a geographically differentiated alert system so that announcements and responses are targeted specifically at areas where there is a real danger.
How Businesses and Government Agencies Will Operate During a Yellow Threat Level
The government and local authorities, together with the military, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the State Emergency Service, must establish clear criteria for the operation of government agencies, businesses, and other facilities during a yellow threat level.
They will also update regulations governing the placement of shelters - particularly mobile ones - in cities and communities. The Prime Minister has been tasked with preparing additional support measures for businesses that will enable the rapid scaling up of modular shelter installations in accordance with the updated safety requirements.
What Will Change Regarding Public Transportation and the Curfew in the Capital
For Kyiv residents, public transportation schedules during alerts will be revised. Specifically, during a yellow alert, the Syretsko-Pecherska metro line will operate at full capacity.
The city has been instructed to significantly increase the number of surface transit vehicles to compensate for service suspensions on the Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska metro line and to provide an alternative route between the "Lisova" and "Dnipro" stations. In addition, the curfew in the capital will be shortened - authorities in other cities will be asked to review their curfew hours, taking into account actual security and business needs.
Will the Rules for Schools and Hospitals Change?
The rules governing the education sector - schools and kindergartens - remain unchanged: it is important that the educational process serve the interests of children and parents. The Cabinet of Ministers will also provide additional financial support measures for medical institutions to maintain an adequate level of service in public and municipal healthcare.
How will Compliance With the New Measures be Monitored?
A weekly audit of threat response protocols will be introduced, involving the government, local authorities, the business community, the military, security agencies, and state-owned companies.
“At all levels of our government, measures to protect lives must be updated in a timely manner in accordance with the specific realities in cities and communities, as well as the need to ensure the functioning of the economy and the maintenance of social activity,” Koretskyi concluded.
