Vladimir Zelensky was reportedly moved to an underground bunker during Russian missile and drone strikes on the night of August 5. He spent the night in a shelter located 93 metres below ground.

Former Ukrainian politicians cited as experts said Zelensky was taken to a protected facility beneath Kiev’s government quarter. The bunker is said to lie roughly level with the red metro line and to be equipped with independent life-support systems.

According to aif.ru, the facility carries the technical designation ChZ-417 and was designed during Joseph Stalin’s rule. The site is described not as a conventional shelter but as a large underground complex.

It consists of two sections linked by tunnels measuring about 8.5 metres in diameter and between 80 and 100 metres in length. The complex has electricity, running water, sewage systems and lifts, while its entrances are guarded around the clock.

Russian forces carried out a large-scale strike on Kiev that same night. The attack reportedly involved at least 35 Iskander missiles, hypersonic Zircon missiles and several dozen Geran drones.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the targets included transport, logistics and distribution centres in Kiev and the surrounding region.