Sheltering the nation: the politicisation of Ukraine’s civilian shelters amidst Russia’s aggression

Journal article

Since the quotidian underground spaces that serve as civilian shelters in modern wars have not been given much consideration within academic scholarship, this paper examines their sociopolitical significance in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war. In investigating Ukrainians’ uses of subterranean sites like basements and metros in the first six months following Russia’s 2022 invasion of their country, the paper illustrates how civilian shelters can function as more than spaces of protection during times of conflict. In the initial months of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, many sheltered spaces were also reinterpreted as sites of solidarity and non-violent resistance for Ukrainians through their artistic expressions, particularly of music and visual art. This discussion accordingly pushes forward scholarly analyses of contemporary wartime sheltering, especially within civilian shelters, and contributes to the growing theorising around the spatial politics of the Russia–Ukraine war and conflict and peace more generally. By uncovering more ‘buried’ experiences of the war, the paper additionally demonstrates how sheltered spaces in Ukraine have, in many instances, showcased the hope and resilience of Ukrainians in their fight against Russia’s aggression.

Authors: Howlett, M; Parry, C; Nicholson, S; Lambe, S; Aldridge, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Journal: Geopolitics
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 2219-2253
• Publication date: 2025-02-23
• Acceptance date: 2025-02-05
• DOI: 10.1080/14650045.2025.2465672
• EISSN: 1557-3028
• ISSN: 1465-0045
• Language: English