Despite constant shelling, shelters in Kherson are closed.
This was reported on the social networks of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine.
According to the Ombudsman, dozens of Kherson residents complained about shelters that were inaccessible to people during shelling and drone attacks.
To inspect the shelter, the Ombudsman’s representative in Kherson region, Vasyl Donets, together with his team, visited the site. During monitoring they found that it was practically impossible to get into the shelter.
“During the monitoring we recorded serious systemic violations — despite the status of a combat zone, the shelter was closed. Entry is possible only through an entrance with an intercom, internal doors are equipped with an electronic lock that only activates after an alarm signal, while artillery shelling and drone attacks often start earlier. The backup generator, provided by the state for the shelter’s needs, was kept in the office of the head of the condominium association (OSBB) and was inaccessible. There were no ramps for people with limited mobility, and one of the evacuation exits was locked — this is a deliberate disregard for danger. Shelters must operate around the clock, without restrictions, and every citizen should have access to basic means of protection”, — noted Dmytro Lubinets.
The Ombudsman’s Office reported that in 2025 it conducted 1066 monitoring visits to civil protection facilities across Ukraine. In Kherson they carried out 15 inspections, during a significant portion of which the shelters were closed or had limited access.
Based on the inspection, the ombudsman provided recommendations to the Kherson City Military Administration to remove the restrictions, ensure round-the-clock operation of shelters, return the generator, and equip entrances for persons with limited mobility.
It was also recommended to initiate a referral to the police under Article 135 and Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — deliberately blocking access during shelling is a direct threat to people’s lives.