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Photos: Russian drone strikes pound civilian targets across Kyiv

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-28

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russian drone strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, including the National Academy of Sciences, resulting in multiple casualties and significant damage. • Why it matters: The attacks highlight the ongoing conflict's severe impact on civilian life and infrastructure, raising alarms about humanitarian conditions and the potential for further escalation. • What to watch next: Monitor the international response and any developments in peace negotiations, as well as ongoing rescue operations and the condition of affected areas in Ukraine.

**Title: Russian Drone Strikes Target Civilian Areas in Kyiv, Causing Casualties and Damage**

**Kyiv, Ukraine – September 28, 2026**: Russian drone strikes have intensified in Kyiv, with significant attacks reported on civilian infrastructure, including the National Academy of Sciences, which is located in the historic center of the capital. This escalation has resulted in multiple casualties and widespread destruction.

On September 25, Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least seven individuals lost their lives, and over 80 were injured as a result of the drone strikes that targeted various locations, including residential buildings, offices, and cultural sites. The strikes have raised alarms about the ongoing conflict's impact on civilian life and infrastructure.

Among the most notable incidents was a high-speed drone strike that hit the National Academy of Sciences, situated near key government institutions and the German embassy. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as staff members evacuated the building using firefighters' ladders while flames engulfed parts of the structure. The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, condemned the attacks, labeling them as “pure terror” aimed at disrupting daily life and undermining civilian morale.

In addition to the attack in Kyiv, other cities have also experienced violence. A drone strike on an office center in Dnipro resulted in the deaths of three people, while attacks in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa left dozens injured. These incidents have prompted Ukrainian officials to accuse Russia of systematically targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure, a tactic they believe is intended to weaken the Ukrainian economy and pressure the government into concessions amid stalled peace negotiations.

Moscow, on the other hand, claims that its operations are focused on military-related targets. However, the increasing frequency of strikes on civilian sites has led to widespread condemnation and concerns about the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.

Rescue operations are currently underway in the affected areas, with emergency services working tirelessly to extinguish fires and assist the injured. Images from the scene depict rescue workers responding to the aftermath of the drone strikes, including efforts to put out fires at the National Academy of Sciences and Dobrobut Hospital, which was also damaged in the attacks.

As the situation continues to develop, the international community is closely monitoring the conflict, with calls for accountability and protection of civilian lives in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The recent drone strikes serve as a stark reminder of the conflict's toll on ordinary citizens and the urgent need for a resolution to the hostilities that have persisted for over four years.

Source: Al Jazeera
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