∄, located in Kyiv, Ukraine, has transformed into a bomb shelter and fundraising base for the Ukrainian army amidst Russia’s invasion. Run by Anastasiia Syradoieva, the club has adapted to challenges and remains a hub for the queer community and returning soldiers.
Inside ∄ – Kyiv’s Secretive Techno Club with a Mission
∄, a techno club located in Kyiv, Ukraine, has found a new purpose amid ongoing strife. Originally opened in 2019 and housed in a former brewery, the club has become a bomb shelter and a fundraising base for the Ukrainian army during Russia’s invasion, which began on February 24, 2022.
The club is run by Anastasiia Syradoieva, who highlights its resilience, pointing out the thick walls from the 19th-century factory that has weathered two world wars. Known locally as Kyrylivska 41 or K41, the club has built an international reputation, rivaling Berlin’s Berghain, partly due to its no-photos policy and a unique interior designed by Studio Karhard.
Despite facing numerous disruptions, including COVID-19 shutdowns and attacks by far-right activists, ∄ has continued to adapt. The club resumed daytime community techno events in May 2022 with donations directed towards the Ukrainian army, raising over £250,000. This funding aids various military units through the purchase of essential equipment.
The club remains a vital space for Kyiv’s queer community and engages returning soldiers by offering them employment and reintegration support. However, a new mobilization law presents potential challenges for its future operations.
