The Citadel shelter consists of cylindrical steel structures with a diameter of 2.4 meters, installed underground, either in courtyards or near buildings, at depths of up to 5 meters. The first bunker, located in the town of Borodianka, can accommodate up to 48 people. It has been equipped with two protected exits, sanitary facilities, and autonomous sources of power, water, heating, and ventilation. The project concept was first presented this summer during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome.
Photo: Metinvest
“We at Metinvest already have significant experience in producing and deploying steel underground shelters – Kryivkas for defence lines and drone operators, underground field hospitals and command posts, all of which have proven effective in combat conditions. More than 800 such bunkers have already been built across the country. We are now scaling these solutions to protect civilians. This is a path toward safeguarding our future – an investment in safety and in recovery – because it is our responsibility as Metinvest Group. This is the principled stance of our shareholder, Rinat Akhmetov, and it is fundamental to our business,” said Chief Operating Officer of Metinvest Group, Oleksandr MYRONENKO.
The modular system of underground steel shelters can be installed in various configurations to protect people from shelling in civilian facilities, schools, and hospitals.
“Safe, modern shelters for civilians are a vital necessity for Ukraine in wartime. Ukrainians must have reliable protection. Citadel is precisely such a solution: fast, effective and compliant with current safety standards. It can be deployed across the entire country,” emphasized Serhii SUKHOMLYN, the head of the Agency for Restoration and Development.
The modular, multi-functional design of the shelter makes it possible to adapt it to different conditions and locations, including schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, residential areas, and communities along the front line. The hermetically sealed steel modules can be easily connected into larger units, and installation takes only a few days. The shelters can serve as both temporary and long-term solutions.
The first example of a new type of shelter for civilians in has been built in In Borodianka, Kyiv region, Ukraine – the “Citadel” model of underground steel bunker, created by Metinvest Group in partnership with the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure… pic.twitter.com/9Qyz2NWsbe
— Metinvest Group (@Metinvest_Group) November 28, 2025