Two Scientists Killed in Russian Strike on Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences
 |
| Emergency workers inspect a damaged building after a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo credit: pexels |
Kyiv, Ukraine — September 29, 2026: Two scientists were killed after a Russian drone strike hit the Presidium building of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences in central Kyiv, according to updated Ukrainian reports. The attack took place on September 28 as Russia carried out a wider wave of drone strikes across Ukraine.
The strike directly hit the National Academy of Sciences building in Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district, causing a fire and damaging parts of the structure. Ukrainian officials said the building was being used as a workplace by scientists and Academy employees when the attack occurred.
Two scientists reported killed
The death toll at the Academy building was initially reported as one person, but later updates said a second victim had been found during rescue operations. Ukrainian sources subsequently reported that two scientists had been killed in the strike.
Several other people were injured, while contact with some Academy employees was temporarily lost as emergency teams searched the damaged building. Reuters reported that the strike on the Academy was part of a broader Russian attack that killed at least 10 people across Ukraine and injured more than 80.
Fire breaks out in central Kyiv
The drone hit the Academy’s Presidium building during the daytime, triggering a major fire. Reports from the scene said people inside the building were forced to escape as smoke and flames spread through the upper floors. Rescue workers were deployed to evacuate people and search the damaged structure.
Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences confirmed that its Presidium building had been directly hit. The Academy said scientists and employees normally work at the building and that some colleagues could not initially be contacted after the strike.
A direct Russian drone strike has hit the National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv. A massive fire has broken out, and urgent rescue operations are currently underway. 💔🇺🇦#Kyiv #UkraineWar #KyivUnderAttack #BreakingNews https://t.co/lo0WH8OCuO
— Indrajit Global News (@Indrajitexplore) September 28, 2026
Broader Russian attacks across Ukraine
The attack on the Academy was part of a larger wave of Russian drone strikes on September 28. Kyiv was among the areas hit, while other attacks were reported in cities including Dnipro and parts of the Kyiv region. Reuters reported that the nationwide attacks killed at least 10 people and injured more than 80.
In Kyiv, other civilian and commercial facilities were also damaged. A medical facility in the capital was hit during the same series of attacks, while authorities continued emergency operations at several locations.
Impact on Ukraine’s scientific community
The strike has drawn attention because the targeted building is part of Ukraine’s national scientific infrastructure. The National Academy of Sciences coordinates and represents a large network of research institutions across the country.
The attack has therefore affected not only the people who were inside the building but also a major institution involved in Ukraine’s scientific and academic activities. Ukrainian officials and scientific organizations have condemned the strike and called for continued international support for Ukraine.
The precise circumstances surrounding the deaths and the final number of casualties may change as rescue and identification operations continue. The latest available reports, however, put the death toll at the Academy building at two scientists.
Sources: Reuters, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine statements, Ukrainian state institutions and local reporting.