‘Science Became a Target’: Europe Condemns Russian Strikes on Kyiv Civilian Sites

European leaders and top diplomats rallied behind Ukraine after Russia’s latest attacks on Kyiv struck the National Academy of Sciences, a medical facility and other civilian sites, with officials accusing Moscow of targeting civilians, science and critical infrastructure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the attack demonstrated that Ukraine’s scientific community had itself become a target.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Today, science became a target for Russia,” von der Leyen wrote on X. “My heart goes out to the heroes searching for people trapped inside Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences. As well as to the families and loved ones of the victims of horrific attacks across the country.” “We stand with them. And with all Ukrainians,” she added. “Europe is working harder than ever to strengthen Ukraine’s defence.” The international condemnation followed a day of Russian strikes across Kyiv on Sept. 28 that killed two people and injured 26, according to Kyiv authorities. The Academy building was among several civilian sites hit during the attacks. A pharmaceutical company and medical facility were also struck, while damage was reported across multiple districts of the capital. France: Russia Is ‘Targeting Civilians and Knowledge’ France’s Embassy in Ukraine placed the attack on the Academy alongside previous Russian strikes on educational institutions in Kyiv. Other Topics of Interest Russia to Begin Additional Mobilization, Expand North Korean Troop Presence President Zelensky cited new intelligence on Russian recruitment and foreign troop deployments, as Kyiv warns of autumn mobilization and growing Pyongyang-Moscow military cooperation. “Schools, universities of Kyiv, and now the Academy of Sciences, struck in broad daylight, set ablaze, just steps from the Opera,” the embassy wrote on X. “By targeting civilians and knowledge, Russia is pursuing its escalation of terror. This cruelty will not go unpunished. France stands alongside Ukraine.” Austria: Attacks Are ‘Absolutely Appalling’ Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker highlighted both the strike on the Academy and the attack on a medical facility in central Kyiv. “Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are absolutely appalling and must stop!” Stocker wrote on X. “A clinic and the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv’s city center have been hit, and there has been near-constant bombardment for days.” “Deliberately targeting civilians and carrying out acts of terror against the civilian population is reprehensible and a violation of international law,” he added. Norway: ‘Civilian Institutions Must Not Be Targets’ Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also singled out the National Academy strike. “I am appalled by Russia’s latest attacks across Ukraine, including on the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv,” Eide wrote on X. “Scientists and staff should be able to work safely. Civilian institutions must not be targets of attacks. Norway stands firmly with Ukraine.” Spain: Attacks Violate International Humanitarian Law Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares accused Russia of continuing to strike civilian targets. Spain’s Foreign Ministry identifies Albares as the country’s current minister for foreign affairs, European Union and cooperation. “I firmly condemn the continued attacks by Russia against civilian targets in Ukraine, in clear violation of international humanitarian law,” Albares wrote on X. Lithuania Warns of ‘Reckless Escalation’ Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys went beyond the Kyiv strikes, warning about attacks near Ukraine’s border with Poland and routes used for international assistance. “Strongly condemn Russia’s latest attacks against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, hitting the National Academy of Sciences, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure,” Budrys wrote on X. He described Russian attacks near the Polish-Ukrainian border and along critical international assistance routes as “a reckless act of escalation.” “Efforts to intimidate Ukraine and obstruct support are doomed to fail,” he said. “They will not weaken our resolve – we will continue supporting Ukraine and strengthening the pressure on Russia.” Academy Strike Draws Particular Outrage The National Academy of Sciences strike carried additional symbolic weight because the institution sits at the center of Ukraine’s scientific and academic establishment. The attack caused a fire and prompted a rescue operation inside the building. Early reports from Kyiv authorities said one person had been killed and several others injured at the Academy site. President Volodymyr Zelensky said emergency crews were searching for people who might still be trapped inside, stressing that the Academy was only one of several civilian sites struck across Ukraine that day. “Every Russian act of terror results in casualties that could have been prevented if pressure on Russia had finally become total – pressure on everything that finances and produces Russia’s weapons of terror, and on everyone who uses them,” Zelensky said. “The world must understand that terrorists will keep going if they are not stopped here, in Ukraine.” “And such brutal strikes must not be ignored. There must be a response – with global resolve and strength.” “We are counting on the strength of Europe, America, and our other partners who can help protect lives.” Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.