Russia launched another wave of strikes on Ukraine on Tuesday, September 29, with Kyiv coming under renewed attack hours after a Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences in the heart of the capital, killing at least two people and injuring dozens.
The Academy building was hit during a daytime attack on Monday. Video footage showed flames and heavy smoke rising from the historic building as people attempted to escape through windows while emergency crews rushed to the scene. Ukraine’s emergency services reported that the strike caused significant damage to the building.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 24 people were injured in attacks across the capital, with several requiring hospital treatment. The National Academy of Sciences is located close to the German Embassy, the national opera, a cathedral and government buildings.
Volodymyr Gorbulin, a former secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council who was working at the academy when it was struck, said he was slightly wounded. He also said his assistant, who was near the building, was killed.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strike, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting a scientific institution during working hours and calling on Ukraine’s allies to provide additional air-defence systems. The Academy itself described the attack as an assault on civilians, science, education and culture.
The attacks were not limited to Kyiv. Russian strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 people and injured more than 80, according to figures reported by Reuters. In Dnipro, a strike on a business centre killed three people and injured 19, while other attacks damaged civilian and infrastructure sites in several regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is increasingly using faster, jet-powered drones that are more difficult to intercept. He said 90 of the 120 drones launched during one recent assault were jet-powered, with Ukrainian forces intercepting about 57% of them. Kyiv is testing new interceptor systems as it seeks to strengthen its air defences.
The latest strikes come as Ukraine faces another difficult period in the war and prepares for winter. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that Russian attacks could again place pressure on the country’s energy infrastructure, while Kyiv continues to seek additional Western air-defence support.
The renewed bombardment also comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Despite international discussions aimed at finding a path towards negotiations, Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to carry out frequent attacks against targets across the two countries.