Reporting
Ukraine: in kyiv, “Ikea” bunkers to assemble yourself to protect against raids
On the eve of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion on February 24, Ukrainian residents have reluctantly become accustomed to the constant threat of air raids, drone and missile attacks that cause sirens to sound several times a day.
In Kiev, an entrepreneur had the idea of offering portable “
bunkers
” to assemble yourself.
Listen - 01:20
The kyiv workshop where Sergei Zaharin produces his “life capsules”, February 22, 2024, Ukraine.
© Nathanael Vittrant / RFI
By: RFI Follow
Advertisement
Read more
With our special correspondents in Kiev,
Nathanaël Vittrant and Jad El Khoury
In the large hangar of a half-abandoned industrial zone in the
Ukrainian capital
, Sergei Zaharin is busy cutting the metal plates that make up what looks like a safe the size of a wardrobe, and what he called “life capsules”.
“
Before I made woodworking equipment, but circumstances
forced me to adapt
,” he confides.
A kind of pocket bunker - an "Ikea" bunker as these workers call them - made up of metal plates five millimeters thick, with enormous bolts.
“
It’s very strong, the capsule must be able to withstand any falling debris, even if the whole house falls on it
,” says Sergei Zaharin.
The ringing of his phone interrupts the conversation.
There were
raids
this Thursday morning, “
they gave me orders
,” he explains.
Before hastening to add: “
Najarl
”
(
“
unfortunately
...
)
But don't ask him
if the situation is good for business
.
“
No, don’t say that.
The cost of a life pod is 53,000 Hyrvna, and I'm selling them for 70,000, minus taxes.
At this price, it’s no longer business: it’s charity
,” he says, annoyed.
In twenty-four months of war, the Russian invasion left tens of thousands of dead and wounded, civilians and soldiers.
Read alsoIn Ukraine, the unbearable wait of prisoners' families
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your inbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
Share :
Continue reading on the same themes:
Ukraine
Defense