Russian Strike Damages Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv, Killing Scientists

On 28 September 2026, a Russian drone strike hit the building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) in central Kyiv, causing significant destruction and a large-scale fire. Several floors of the Academy’s main administrative building were destroyed. Emergency services immediately launched search and rescue operations at the site. 

Two scientists were killed as a result of the attack. Several other people were reported missing or remained unaccounted for while rescuers searched the damaged building. Emergency workers, including search-and-rescue teams and dog units, continued operations to locate people who might still be trapped under the rubble. 

According to Ukrainian authorities, the strike was carried out by a jet-powered Shahed drone. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the drone directly struck the Academy building and that the search for people inside was still under way. He also confirmed that Volodymyr Horbulin, First Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences, was injured, while his assistant was killed in the attack. 

The building of the National Academy of Sciences is a civilian scientific institution. The attack therefore struck not only a physical building, but a place where Ukrainian scientists work, conduct research and contribute to the country’s scientific and intellectual development.

The National Academy of Sciences is one of Ukraine’s key institutions of science and research. Its scientists continue to work despite the full-scale war, including on research directly related to the consequences of Russia’s aggression. On the very day of the attack, for example, NASU scientists published research on the impact of missile strikes on agricultural soils in Ukraine. 

The attack on the Academy was part of a wider Russian assault on Ukraine on 28 September. According to President Zelenskyy, more than 120 drones were used across the country that day, including around 90 jet-powered drones. At least nine people had been reported killed and more than 80 injured at the time of his evening address. 

The Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine strongly condemns Russia’s attacks on civilian institutions, including scientific, educational and medical facilities.

Such attacks put people’s lives directly at risk and damage institutions that serve society through education, science and professional work. The loss of scientists is not only a tragedy for their families and colleagues, but also a loss for Ukraine’s scientific community and for society as a whole.

The Trade Union expresses its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of those who were killed and wishes a speedy recovery to everyone injured in the attack.

Based on reports by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Office of the President of Ukraine, Reuters and Ukrainian media