In Kyiv, during the threat of a ballistic strike, guards did not let parents with children into the NAU shelter (video)
War is a time when every moment can be decisive and safety becomes the highest priority. But what to do when this very security becomes unattainable due to bureaucracy, meaningless regulations or the indifference of those who are supposed to provide protection? This is especially painful when it comes to children who least deserve such treatment. The story that happened in Kyiv during the threat of a ballistic attack reminds us that even in the most difficult times, bureaucracy and mindless execution of instructions can prevail over common sense, and most importantly – it posed a mortal threat to parents and children.
This case became known thanks to the political technologist Oleksiy Holobutsky, who published the corresponding video in your Telegram channel. The footage shot by blogger Halyna Savchuk shows how guards of the National Aviation University (NAU) closed the doors of the shelter in front of dozens of people, including women with children. When people asked why they were not allowed in, the guards answered: “We were not given a command.” Their words sounded particularly cynical: “If there are explosions, then we’ll let them in.”
This situation caused outrage, because a dance competition was supposed to take place at the university that day. The participants of the event, including children, were also unable to get to the shelter. The organizers of the event, who hired private security, justified themselves by the fact that the university is “closed” on the day off, and the event is private. However, can there be any justification for leaving people, especially children, at risk?
“At the last session, the rector of NAU, deputy of the Kyiv City Council, “servant of the people” Ksenia Semenova complained about the state of the shelters and promised to change the situation. The video shows improvements in practice,” – wrote Holobutskyi.
https://youtube.com/shorts/r4mVRsi88Os
Ksenia Semenova later explained that the guards who did not let people into the shelter were hired by the organizers of the event, not by the university.
“Indeed, Mrs. Halyna came to the concert, the security of the organizer of the event did not let her into the shelter. The Aviation Security Service and the director of the Center for Culture and Arts of the State University “Kyiv Aviation Institute” – ed.) reacted immediately. With this organizer of KAI more will have no relationship.
“Tenants have the right to hire their own contractors for cleaning, sound, and security. When signing a contract with KAI, tenants receive all safety instructions, rules of behavior during an air alert. The organizer of today’s event violated the rules for holding events in the Center of KAI.” – wrote she is on her Facebook page.
Semenova also noted that all NAU shelters are always open to the public, and residents of the district often use them during emergencies. However, these words do not reduce the gravity of the situation, because the fact remains: the people who needed protection did not receive it.
Police who arrived at the scene confirmed that security had to let people into the shelter.
“The shelter in the educational institution is located on the other side of the building and the entrance to it was free. They were not allowed to go to the shelter, but to the premises of the dance stage, where activities were to be held for children, in connection with the air-raid alarm signal and the lack of tickets for female citizens, which she was later given the organizer of the event. The conflict was exhausted on the spot.” – noted in the police
The organizers of the event, for their part, tried to accuse the blogger of “inflating” the situation. Yuliya Salabchuk, a representative of the organizers of the dance competition, demanded that the blogger delete the stories from her Instagram account, in which she talked about the fact that hired guards did not allow people to enter the shelter.
“Because of your five-minute “dvizh” you created problems for many people and dancers”, she said.
The organizer explained that access to the shelter was limited because the NAU territory is closed to visitors on Saturday, and at that time a private event was taking place there.
“Five minutes later, I came and you were let in. It was a misunderstanding that took only a few minutes… And you are just spreading negativity, because of which people can be fired or even banned from holding festivals at NAU. You understand that this will cause a wave of hate ?”, – she turned to the woman who, together with her child, was not allowed into the shelter.
After that, the organizer threatened the blogger with a lawsuit, accusing her of defamation.
This story is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, there are those who put their own interests or bureaucratic procedures ahead of people’s lives. But it also shows that public outcry and individual concern can compel those in charge to act appropriately. Halyna Savchuk, who not only recorded the incident, but also called the police, did an important thing — she reminded us that safety is not a privilege, but the right of everyone.
In conclusion, it should be said that this situation should serve as a lesson to all who are responsible for the organization of events during wartime. The safety of people, especially children, should not depend on “commands” or bureaucratic procedures. After all, every minute during anxiety can be the last. And no one has the right to play with the lives of others.
