Stores won't be closed for every "Shahed": the Cabinet changes air raid alert rules

Rocket or "Shahed": whether stores will be closed will now depend on the type of threat

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04 Sep 2026

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У Миколаєві стався збій в роботі сирен системи оповіщення — повітряна тривога

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a package of decisions intended to change the usual rules for the operation of cities and businesses during Russian aerial attacks. Air raid alerts are planned to be divided into two levels – “yellow” and “red”. During drone attacks, enterprises will be allowed to continue operating, but a missile or combined threat will mean a mandatory stop and movement of people to shelters.

The decisions adopted on 3 September 2026 were reported by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Koretskyi. According to the head of government, the changes are intended to adapt the work of the state, business and infrastructure to the new tactics of Russian aerial attacks.

Two alerts: what “yellow” and “red” will mean

“Yellow” danger level is planned to be declared during drone attacks. At this level, shops, enterprises and other businesses will be able to continue operating, but only if safety requirements are observed.

Explaining the reason for the decision, Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi emphasized that prolonged drone attacks should not completely stop the country’s economy.

“The economy must operate, taxes must flow into the budget, and people must receive salaries. That is why, at the yellow alert level, businesses will be able to continue operating provided strict compliance with safety requirements.”

At the same time, the continuation of work does not mean that employees and visitors can be left without the possibility to take shelter. Businesses must provide people with access to shelters. Where appropriate conditions do not yet exist, the Government gives three months to resolve the issue.

“Red” level will be declared in case of an increased threat of a missile or combined strike. Under such conditions, work must be stopped, and employees and visitors must proceed to shelters.

Thus, it is the nature of the threat that will determine whether an enterprise can continue to operate: a drone attack will allow work under safe conditions, while a missile or combined attack will require a mandatory stop.

Shelters: businesses given three months

The Government placed a special emphasis on the accessibility of shelters. In places where enterprises operate and visitors are present, people must have a real opportunity to move to a protective structure. This issue is especially relevant for Mykolaiv. The Government also requires communities to accelerate the installation and arrangement of additional mobile shelters. First and foremost, such structures should protect people from debris during Russian attacks.

For Kyiv, the Cabinet recommended ensuring full operation of the metro during the “yellow” alert level. If necessary, authorities should also increase the amount of surface public transport so that people can get to work, hospitals and metro stations. The Cabinet’s statement did not include a separate decision on public transport in Mykolaiv. Another change concerns the curfew. The Government announced improvements to the rules, in particular for Kyiv – regarding transit freight transport and passenger transfers to and from railway stations.

At the same time, local authorities are recommended to set a curfew from 01:00 to 05:00. Important: this is a recommendation, not an automatic change of the regime simultaneously across all communities of Ukraine.

As of 4 September 2026, a curfew from 00:00 to 05:00 remains in effect in Mykolaiv and most of Mykolaiv Oblast. This regime was established on 1 April 2026. For the Ochakiv, Kutsurub and Chornomorsk communities, which regularly suffer from Russian attacks, the current restrictions are considerably stricter – from 22:00 to 06:00. Therefore, the government’s recommendation of a 01:00-05:00 regime does not by itself mean that already tonight in Mykolaiv people will be allowed to be on the street until 01:00. Such a change requires the corresponding decision of the local military authorities.

The Government states that the main goal of the new rules is to find a balance between people’s safety and the need to prevent prolonged Russian attacks from paralyzing the economy, transport, the functioning of cities and critical infrastructure.