Kyiv Oblast plans to strengthen the light masking regime due to ongoing Russian air attacks. The corresponding instruction was adopted on November 10 at a meeting of the region's Defense Council.
This was reported by the head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, Timur Tkachenko.
According to him, at the meeting with participation of representatives of security structures and heads of relevant departments, additional security measures were discussed in the context of constant threat of Russian strikes.
District administrations and territorial communities were instructed to work with business representatives, utility companies, and the housing sector to develop measures for strengthening light masking.
"These measures should help make the enemy's use of air attack means somewhat more difficult, especially during long winter twilight and nights," Tkachenko explained.
The head of the Regional Military Administration emphasized that the decision was made at the request of the Ukrainian military. According to him, additional lighting restrictions are necessary to increase the safety of populated areas and support the Defense Forces.
Moreover, enhancing light masking should contribute to more rational use of electricity. Tkachenko noted that this is an additional goal of the adopted decision, given the difficult situation in the Ukrainian power system.
Specific light masking rules, timelines for their introduction, and list of restrictions have not yet been published. At this stage, local authorities have been instructed to work out necessary measures with enterprises, utilities, and the housing sector.
Thus, for now, the matter concerns preparation of additional restrictions, not an announced complete switch-off of outdoor lighting in all populated areas of Kyiv Oblast.
At the meeting, they also considered the organization of work of territorial defense units and volunteer formations. According to Tkachenko, it is necessary to ensure their coordinated and disciplined work before the winter period.
Other issues related to the functioning of the region under military threats were discussed without public disclosure of details.
The decision to strengthen light masking was taken against the backdrop of ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv Oblast and Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Power supply restrictions remain in place in the region due to the consequences of damage to energy facilities.
