Traffic at selected intersections in central Kyiv will come to a coordinated halt each morning as the city introduces a new way to observe Ukraine’s nationwide moment of silence. Beginning September 15, signals at participating locations will turn red in every direction at 9 a.m.

The initial rollout covers 18 signal-controlled sites, including European Square, Ukrainian Heroes Square, Taras Shevchenko Boulevard and Bessarabska Passage. Sections of Khreshchatyk, Baseina, Velyka Vasylkivska, Yevhena Chykalenka, Volodymyrska and Prorizna streets are also included.

The measure applies to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Kyiv’s ground-based public transport will also stop for the observance, while an announcement over the city’s notification system will mark the beginning of the tribute and count down the minute. Normal signal sequences are due to resume at 9:01 a.m.

Kyiv City Council approved the changes following an instruction from the mayor. The municipal Traffic Management Center is responsible for adapting the signal network, and additional intersections may be added later where the available technology allows.

The all-red phase will be suspended whenever an air-raid alert is active, with traffic lights operating under their regular programs instead. Emergency and other authorized special-purpose vehicles responding to urgent calls may continue through the area when using the required flashing lights and sirens.

City transport officials stressed that the initiative does not alter road rules governing red lights. Residents and visitors are being asked to pause at 9 a.m. each day to remember those whose lives were lost because of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.