From 4 December, businesses without shelters will not be able to operate during yellow alerts

End of the transition period for enterprises

On 4 December 2026, the three-month transition period in Ukraine will end. During this time, enterprises that did not have shelters had the right to continue operating during the yellow level of air raid threat, but only on the condition of agreement with the workforce. As the Ministry of Economy reminded, further operation in such a mode without the presence of protective infrastructure will be impossible.

These requirements are based on Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1092, which regulates the procedure for responding to air raid threats. The Ministry of Economy emphasises that the specified date is the final deadline for business preparation.

Conditions for continuing operations

Only facilities equipped with protective structures will be able to continue operating during the yellow threat level. These can be permanent or temporary shelters for staff and visitors. Operation in dual-purpose buildings or in structures that have a built-in safe space is also permissible.

The Ministry of Economy explains that entrepreneurs are not required to build a separate bunker. Legislation provides for the possibility of arranging a safe space directly within existing buildings. The choice of a specific solution must comply with the requirements of regulatory documents and the specifics of the premises.

It is important to understand that the name "safe space" alone is not sufficient. An ordinary corridor or a windowless room cannot automatically be considered a protective solution provided for by the resolution.

Limitations on employee consent

Until 4 December, work without a shelter was permitted exclusively with the agreement of the workforce. The resolution clearly limits this possibility to three months from the day it enters into force. This means that even existing employee consent cannot extend this period after the end of the transition period.

Obligations regarding information and safety

A separate obligation of enterprises is to inform employees and visitors. Signs indicating the presence of a shelter, a safe space, or the absence of a shelter must be placed at the entrances or on the external walls of the facilities. In addition, it is necessary to clearly define the procedure for staff actions during the "Air Raid Alert" signal.

The State Labour Service reminds that an employee's right to refuse to perform dangerous work is valid regardless of the December deadline. If a situation arises that threatens life or health, an employee has the right to refuse the assigned work, immediately informing the manager or employer about it.

Context of changes in the safety sector

It was previously mentioned that new rules have significantly changed the operation of shopping centres in Kyiv: the continuation of their operations during the yellow threat level is linked to meeting safety requirements for staff and visitors.

Ukrzaliznytsia also warned passengers against a false perception of the yellow alert. This level of threat does not guarantee uninterrupted train movement, as decisions to stop or continue a route are made depending on the real danger at a specific moment.