Kyiv Shortens Curfew, Changes Metro Rules as Russian Drone Attacks Intensify

Kyiv has shortened its curfew and introduced new rules for public transport and bridges as Russia steps up attacks on the capital with jet-powered drones.

Starting Sept. 10, the curfew will run from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., one hour shorter than before, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said.

The change will allow public transport to operate for an additional hour. Restaurants, shopping and entertainment centers, and other leisure venues will keep their existing hours.

Four special bus routes will run from Kyiv’s Central Railway Station during curfew hours to help passengers whose trains arrive late. Overnight transit of oversized vehicles will also remain permitted.

Metro service will depend on threat level

Kyiv’s metro crosses the Dnipro via the Southern Bridge, meaning parts of the network are exposed during Russian missile and drone attacks. Under the new rules, service will change depending on the threat level.

On the Green Line, trains will continue crossing the Southern Bridge during a yellow threat level. If the level rises to red, the line will split into two sections: Syrets-Vydubychi on the right bank and Slavutych-Chervonyi Khutir on the left bank.

The Red Line will operate only underground during alerts, between Akademmistechko and Arsenalna. Replacement bus Route 1M will connect the two sides of the Dnipro, running between Palats Sportu and Lisova.

Passengers should expect delays or temporary service changes when an alert begins or the threat level changes.

New rules for Kyiv’s bridges

The Dnipro divides Kyiv into its right and left banks, with several major bridges carrying cars, buses and other ground transport between them. The crossings are particularly exposed during Russian attacks.

The Southern Bridge will remain open, but traffic will be suspended for 30 minutes after an air raid alert is declared and again for 30 minutes after it is lifted. Entrances from Saperno-Slobidska Street and Mykhaila Boichuka Street will be blocked.

The Podilskyi-Voskresenskyi Bridge will also have 30-minute pauses after alerts begin and end and will operate in reversible traffic mode.

The Paton, Metro, Northern and Darnytskyi bridges will continue operating normally.

What the yellow and red levels mean

A yellow threat level signals a potential danger but does not automatically shut down businesses or public institutions. They can continue operating if they follow safety rules and provide easy access to shelters.

A red threat level indicates a higher and more immediate danger and can trigger tighter restrictions on transport and other services.

The threat level is separate from an air raid alert. The alert tells residents to seek shelter, while the threat level determines how city services and transport operate.

Residents can check the current status through the Kyiv Digital app.

Events banned, businesses can stay open

Kyiv has temporarily banned outdoor entertainment and sporting events, as well as indoor events at venues without shelters.

Shopping centers, cafes and service businesses can continue operating during a yellow threat level if they follow safety protocols and ensure staff and visitors can reach shelters.

Administrative service centers and social institutions will also operate normally under a yellow threat level. Schools and medical facilities will continue under previously approved rules.

The changes come as Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv with jet-powered drones, with the capital now facing more than 10 air raid alerts a day.