Officials were aware of the hazardous conditions of the tunnel between the "Demiivska" and "Lybidska" stations but kept it hidden from the public.

This was confirmed by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, who released audio recordings that illustrate this situation.

According to sources, the conversation involved former metro chief Viktor Braginsky, who is on the run, and chief engineer Viktor Vygivsky.

The recording, made on December 4, 2023, reveals that in October-November 2023, sand appeared along with water between the "Lybidska" and "Demiivska" stations, leading to cracks in the tunnel.

These recordings indicate that the responsible officials of the metro, tasked with monitoring the tunnel conditions, failed to take necessary actions.

"I have worked here for nine years and understand how critical and dangerous this is," Braginsky stated in a conversation on December 6, 2023.

The recordings also suggest that the director of the transport infrastructure department, Ruslan Kandybor, was reluctant to close the emergency section until the very last moment.

Braginsky was reportedly planning to negotiate with a blogger to state publicly that the situation on the damaged section was "stable."

 

Reminder:

 

On December 8, 2023, movement was urgently halted between the "Teremky" and "Demiivska" stations due to an emergency situation. Kiev Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko stated this was due to violations of construction technology from 15 years ago.

Law enforcement has initiated a criminal case regarding official negligence connected to the cracks in the ceiling of the Kiev metro between the "Teremky" and "Lybidska" stations.

On December 20, 2023, Ruslan Kandybor declared that there was no critical transport situation on the Obolon-Teremky line, and the destruction between the "Demiivska" and "Lybidska" stations was prevented.

Viktor Braginsky submitted his resignation on March 15, 2024, following a journalistic investigation.

The Podil District Prosecutor's Office announced suspicions of official negligence against two officials of the Kiev metro due to flooding on the blue line between the "Demiivska" and "Lybidska" stations.

In June 2024, Braginsky was declared wanted.

In July 2025, prosecutors from the Kiev city prosecutor's office announced suspicions against Kandybor for official negligence leading to the destruction of the metro tunnel.