Deadly Drone Strikes Hit Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv and Business Center in Dnipro

September 28, 2023: Renewed Russian Drone Attacks on Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: On September 28, 2023, Russian forces launched drone strikes targeting the National Academy of Sciences building in Kyiv and a business center in Dnipro. These attacks resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries. In Kyiv, a fire broke out, prompting ongoing rescue efforts and evacuations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the assaults and vowed a firm response.

In Kyiv’s city center, a Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences, killing one woman and injuring three others. Earlier that day, a drone hit a business center in Dnipro, causing three deaths and injuring at least 12 people. Rescue teams evacuated 47 individuals from the Dnipro building, including those trapped on upper floors, using aerial ladders.

Situation in Kyiv and Other Regions

In Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district, the drone attack hit a non-residential structure, igniting a fire. Another drone fell on an uninhabited site in the Darnytskyi district. A yellow drone alert had been active in Kyiv for over two hours during the attacks. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that some victims were trapped inside the burning National Academy building. President Zelensky described the rescue and firefighting operation as ongoing near the academy’s premises.

That same day, additional attacks targeted a pharmaceutical company and gas stations in Kyiv, while other cities experienced strikes on civilian infrastructure, businesses, and communication networks. Earlier on September 28, Russian forces had also attacked Kyiv and Kharkiv overnight. Following a strike on a shopping and entertainment center in Kryvyi Rih, President Zelensky pledged a response against Russia.

“A Russian strike hit the building of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences. Rescue operations are underway, fires are being extinguished, and efforts continue to locate anyone inside. All emergency services are involved,” stated Volodymyr Zelensky.

These drone strikes are part of Russia’s ongoing aggressive campaign aimed at crippling Ukraine’s infrastructure and targeting civilian sites. According to the president, Ukraine’s response includes not only military measures but also diplomatic actions to rally international support. The events of September 28 highlight the escalating conflict and underscore the urgent need for decisive international efforts to secure stability in the region.

“Every partner of Ukraine must recognize that supporting Ukraine means supporting the lives of its people,” President Zelensky emphasized, calling for tangible consequences against Russia.

As the situation escalates, the impact of ongoing drone strikes is felt across multiple regions in Ukraine, with tragic consequences for civilians. In a related incident, recent attacks in eight Ukrainian regions resulted in child fatalities and injuries, prompting President Zelensky to call for stronger sanctions against Russia. This highlights the urgent need for international support in addressing the escalating violence and its toll on innocent lives.