Underground Moscow isn't only dotted with various secret military bunkers, but also with provisional mini dwellings made by illegal immigrants and off-the-grid citizens. And then there's also the myth-enshrouded Metro-2—a separate transportation system for bombs and absconding politicians, which it seems was built during the Stalin era deep under the normal subway.Mischa hastily slips on his knee-high rubber boots, which, in combination with a helmet light, make up every digger's standard gear. He pulls a steel rod out of his rucksack, uses it to open a manhole cover, and he and his small crew drop into what's most likely Moscow's most peaceful recreational area."We don't smear all over the walls down here. Only fuckers do that."
Photo: Motherboard/Vice
Together with Mischa, Motherboard wandered for hours on a march through one of the oldest historic drainage tunnels in town—from the northern edge of the subway ring, under the Kremlin and into Moscow's center. Once the water level started to rise—which Mischa noticed through by the sound of the drain water getting louder—we were forced to immediately leave the tunnel at the next exit."A train stuck her leg. The bone broke through the skin and her flesh was oozing out. But she was very strong and managed to get back above ground on her own."
Photo: Motherboard/Vice
This is what Red Square looks like from down below through the 15-meter-deep drainage pipe. Photo: Motherboard / Vice.
As far as I know, you can't access Metro-2 anymore. It would be a dream to see this place—but it will most likely stay a dream. Also, I wouldn't want to get caught there. If I did, I'd go to jail. Metro-2 is today still an object with high strategic value and the intelligence service, FSB [which succeeded the KGB] still protects the system."For our digger parties, we just meet up somewhere underground."
Photo: Motherboard/Vice
Mischa rappels into a precarious spot in the tunnel. Photo: Motherboard/Vice
Photo: Motherboard/Vice
Photo: Motherboard/Vice
Photo: Motherboard/Vice

