A Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv on Monday, triggering a fire and prompting a rescue operation, Ukrainian authorities said.
The unmanned aircraft hit the non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district during Russian air operations across the city. One woman was killed and three people were injured in the strike, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
The impact caused a fire that spread through multiple floors of the historic structure. Video footage released by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed significant damage to the building, with part of a side wall destroyed and flames visible across the upper levels. Dense black smoke and bright orange flames engulfed portions of the structure as rescue crews worked at the scene.
Emergency services deployed to the location to extinguish the fire and search for people who may have been inside the building. Rescue teams checked the structure and looked for individuals potentially trapped within. All necessary services were mobilized to address the aftermath of the strike.
The National Academy of Sciences building is located in the historic center of Kyiv, near the German embassy, a prominent cathedral, the national opera, and government buildings. The area is typically well-protected from Russian attacks, according to local sources.
Zelenskyy said in a statement that a rescue operation was underway, crews were extinguishing the fire, and personnel were searching for people who may have been in the building. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on international partners to continue supporting Ukraine amid attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The strike occurred as Ukrainian air defense forces had issued an alert for Kyiv, warning of drones moving toward the city. Russian forces conducted attacks across Kyiv throughout Monday, with the Academy of Sciences building among the targets struck.