Kyiv Implements Daily Street Closures to Commemorate Moment of Silence: An Official Approach to Honoring Heroes
Starting from Monday, the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, will introduce a new practice of halting traffic on its main street, Khreshchatyk, to observe a national moment of silence.
This decision was announced by the head of Kyiv City Military Administration, Timur Tkachенко, who stated that by the end of this week, daily events will commence, during which traffic on Khreshchatyk will be stopped precisely at 9:00 a.m.
as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at honoring memory of fallen heroes and strengthening national unity.Tkachенко explained that relevant directives are currently being prepared and will soon be distributed to patrol police, the Traffic Management Center, the transport department, and city communication units.
He emphasized the symbolic significance of Khreshchatyk, which is not only the heartbeat of Kyiv but also a cultural and spiritual symbol of Ukraine.
“Khreshchatyk is the heart of Kyiv, and Kyiv is the heart of Ukraine.
It stands for unity, memory, and respect for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” he said.Earlier this year, Kyiv City Council approved the schedule for daily nationwide moments of silence, which are now officially announced in public transport, on the main squares — Khreshchatyk and Maidan Nezalezhnosti, in advertising media, and via the mobile app “Kyiv Digital.” Organizations and institutions were advised to pause their activities for a minute during these moments.
In large Ukrainian cities, this minute of silence traditionally involves halting transport, highlighting the importance of collective remembrance and national solidarity.