First modular underground shelter installed in Borodianka, Kyiv region

The first modular underground shelter, built by the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, was installed in Borodianka, Kyiv region. This is a quick and modern solution that allows communities to be quickly provided with protective structures. Modular shelters are tested by the military, which confirms their reliability in real conditions. The project will first be expanded to frontline areas, where the threat of shelling is higher and the time of approach of russian missiles is short.

"Modular shelters allow for the rapid provision of a basic level of protection for the population, are quick to install, and immediately serve their purpose. Especially in communities located near the frontline or the border with the enemy, quick, affordable, and effective security solutions are needed, because the threat is daily and unpredictable," emphasized Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba.

The shelter is located in the center of Borodianka, in the area of maximum community activity. Administrative, social, and residential facilities are located nearby. It is designed for 48 people and fully complies with the principles of inclusiveness: the structure is equipped with a ramp, a lift, and an automated access system that opens during an air raid alarm.

The shelter took less than a month to build: prep work started on August 21, 2025, and by September 10, it was completely ready. The cost of the construction was UAH 5.5 million.

The structure includes several vestibules, two rooms for people to stay in, and a bathroom. An autonomous power supply system based on iron phosphate batteries and a generator is provided. The interior equipment includes finishing, seating, ventilation, and sealing materials. The shelter provides protection from debris, shock waves, chemical damage, and radioactive dust.

There are plans to install five more such structures in Borodianka, in other parts of the village.

Modular shelters make it possible to quickly and economically provide a basic level of protection for people in communities. Since the construction of a stationary shelter for 100 people costs approximately EUR 1.3 million (based on a typical UNICEF project) and takes up to two years, a modular shelter designed for a similar capacity costs around EUR 220,000 and can be assembled in approximately two weeks. This is the optimal solution given the military risks and security situation in the country. At the same time, such structures cannot completely replace permanent shelters, which provide a significantly higher level of safety and comfort for long-term stays. However, underground modular shelters are the optimal solution for temporary safety.

There are 240 frontline communities in Ukraine, and according to preliminary estimates, each of them may need up to 20 such shelters. To speed up procurement and minimize risks for customers, it is planned to include modular shelters in the Prozorro Market e-catalog.

The centralized procurement organization under the State Agency for Reconstruction is ready to administer the relevant category of goods.

A Ukrainian-made shelter has been installed in Borodianka. At the same time, two other manufacturers are completing the development and testing of their modular underground shelters. This will allow the project to be scaled up in frontline regions and quickly provide communities with modern, reliable, and affordable security solutions.