A Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv on Monday, causing a deadly fire that killed at least one person and wounded three others, according to Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko. The historic 19th-century building, located near major landmarks such as the German embassy and the National Opera, was engulfed in flames as staff members evacuated through windows.
Anatoliy Zagorodny, the academy’s president, said the blast hit while many employees were inside. He condemned the attack as terrorism and an assault on science, stressing the institution’s civilian status despite its ties to Ukraine’s defense sector. Volodymyr Horbulin, the academy’s first vice-president and a former high-ranking security official, was among those injured.
Additional Targeted Strikes and Daily Drone Attacks
Alongside the academy, a nearby private medical center was also hit by a Russian drone strike, resulting in at least one death. These assaults are part of an escalating campaign involving missile and jet-powered drone attacks against Kyiv’s residential and institutional sites, causing frequent civilian casualties.
The newer jet-powered drones, faster and harder to intercept than previous models like Shahed or Geran-2, have increased the threat to Kyiv’s defenses. Ukraine is actively working to develop countermeasures against these advanced drones.
Shift in Russian Tactics Puts Civilians at Greater Risk
Russian forces have recently shifted tactics by conducting more daytime attacks, forcing residents to remain on high alert throughout the day. This approach increases the dangers since many civilians continue working during drone alerts instead of seeking shelter for extended periods.
The attacks near the capital come amid concerns about Russia targeting border crossings with Poland and Moldova, prompting Ukraine to consider relocating customs checkpoints to neighboring countries. A recent drone strike near the Poland-Ukraine border has additionally raised alarms in eastern Poland.
International and Ukrainian Responses
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called on Western countries to intensify pressure on Russia to prevent further attacks, emphasizing that every strike results in avoidable loss of life. Meanwhile, the Kremlin indicated that Russian attacks might intensify in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory.
