A Russian drone strike hit the historic headquarters of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv on Tuesday, resulting in one death and three injuries. City Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed the casualty figures in a public statement, highlighting the severe impact of the attack on a prominent cultural and scientific institution.
Video footage from the scene captured people leaning out of windows to escape the engulfing flames as a thick plume of black smoke rose from the structure. Firefighters assisted individuals in evacuating through the windows while emergency services worked to contain the raging fire.
The BBC’s diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams reported from the site as rescue crews attempted to extinguish the blaze, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by aerial attacks on Ukraine’s capital.
These drones are changing warfare completely. Civilian infrastructure is just as vulnerable now as military targets, which is terrifying.
My grandmother studied there decades ago. It feels like losing a piece of Ukrainian identity, not just a building.
I cannot believe they targeted a scientific institution. Is the safety of civilians really beyond consideration in this conflict?
Horrified to see such a landmark destroyed. The imagery of people escaping via windows is truly heartbreaking.