Stefanchuk emphasized that lawmakers have everything they need to remain and work safely in Kyiv, adding that the parliament has no plans to leave the capital.

“The Ukrainian parliament has been working since the first day of the war and, as long as it is possible, will continue to work out of its building at 5 Hrushevsky Street. Period,” the speaker said. “And let’s dot the i’s and cross the t’s to put this rumor to rest.”

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He noted that the parliament must ensure lawmakers can not only take cover in the shelter during air raid alerts but also continue working effectively while underground.

“The Ukrainian parliament has created all the necessary conditions for lawmakers to work there,” Stefanchuk added. “We have ensured they have the proper setup to vote.”

Stefanchuk categorically rejected claims that lawmakers were in recess, adding that the parliament continues to operate as usual.

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Officials announced on August 31 that the Ukrainian parliament will no longer suspend its sessions during air raid alerts. Instead, lawmakers will have 10 minutes to move to a secure underground bunker equipped to accommodate all 330 members. Lawmakers will vote using smartphones or tablets while sheltered. The parliament plans to test the system in the coming days by conducting drills with lawmakers descending to the bunker in groups of 20.

The parliament’s administration previously announced it was working on a plan to keep the legislature running despite constant air raid alerts in Kyiv.