The Big Shelter: How Kyiv’s Metro Stations Became Essential Bunkers for Millions

The psychological toll of this underground existence cannot be overstated. Days blend into nights, marked only by the shifting phases of the air raid alerts. Living in constant proximity, under extreme stress, takes a profound toll on mental health. Yet, the very act of descending together offers a form of group therapy—a shared realization that they are not alone in their terror, which provides a small, crucial measure of psychological strength.