Russian forces have struck the National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv, sparking a fire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post.
According to Zelenskyy, a rescue operation is underway following the attack. Emergency crews are working to extinguish the fire and search the building amid concerns that people may still be trapped inside.
All necessary emergency services have been deployed to the scene.
"There will certainly be a response. Every partner of Ukraine must understand from this terror and these attacks that supporting Ukraine truly means supporting human lives and ensuring that terror is never normalized, anywhere. Russia must be held accountable for all of this and face real consequences. I thank everyone who is helping Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
A Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences building in central Kyiv earlier today, causing significant damage and destroying part of the structure.
According to initial reports, one person was killed and three others were injured.
The building, which houses the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, dates back to the mid-19th century. Originally constructed as a two-storey boarding school for girls, it was later expanded with the addition of a third floor.
In 1918, the building became home to the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences and has served the institution ever since.
