Ukraine’s first underground steel bunker for civilians, built by Metinvest, has begun operating in Borodianka

The first new-type civil shelter in the country, an underground steel bunker called Citadel, has been built in Borodianka, Kyiv region.

It was created by Metinvest Group in partnership with the State Agency for Infrastructure Restoration and Development of Ukraine, with the support of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development, according to a company statement.

Citadel is a modular steel underground shelter that can be installed in various configurations. The project idea was presented in the summer at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2025 in Rome.

Citadel is designed with environmental considerations in mind. The cylindrical shelters, with a diameter of 2.4 m, are installed in the ground at a depth of up to 5 m in courtyards or next to buildings. The one installed in Borodianka is designed to comfortably accommodate 48 people. It is equipped with two protected exits, toilets, autonomous power, water, heating, and ventilation sources.

The modularity and versatility of the design allows the Citadel to be adapted to different conditions and facilities, including schools, hospitals, industrial enterprises, residential areas, and frontline territories. The sealed steel sections are easily assembled into blocks, with installation taking only a few days. The shelter can be used as both a temporary and long-term solution.

As Metinvest’s Chief Operating Officer Oleksandr Myronenko explained, the company already has significant experience in the production and use of steel underground shelters – “hideouts” for defense lines and drone operators, underground hospitals, and command posts. They have proven their effectiveness in combat conditions, with more than 800 such bunkers already installed in 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,” Myronenko emphasized.

Serhiy Sukhomlyn, Head of the State Agency for Reconstruction, described Citadel as a reliable, fast, and effective solution that meets modern safety standards. He noted that it can be used throughout the country.

Metinvest built Ukraine’s first underground training hub for the military. The facility was created from the company’s steel based on the Steel Dream concept as part of the Steel Front initiative.