‘Contempt for Science and Truth’: Macron Condemns Russian Strike on Kyiv Academy

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia’s drone strike on the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in central Kyiv, saying it showed the Kremlin’s contempt for “science and truth.” In a post on X, Macron described the academy as Ukraine’s largest research institution and said the attack added to the “barbarity” of Russia’s daily strikes on civilians. He expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and pledged that France and Europe would stand with Ukrainians for as long as needed.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. BREAKING: A Russian strike has hit a building of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences in central Kyiv, local media report. People are reportedly trapped inside as others jump from windows to escape the flames. Emergency crews are racing to the scene.Video: Telegram channels pic.twitter.com/9W4slyEQOM— KyivPost (@KyivPost) September 28, 2026 The drone struck the academy building during the day on Monday, Sept. 28, setting it on fire while staff were inside. Two people were killed at the building, according to emergency services.Among them was Nataliia Bukalo, an assistant to Volodymyr Horbulin, a vice president of the academy and former secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. Horbulin sustained minor injuries.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. 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. Other Topics of Interest Putin Hides Russia’s Oil Trade From Western Scrutiny The move could make it harder to track Russian oil sales and detect sanctions evasion as Ukrainian strikes disrupt the country’s refining sector. “Every Russian terrorist attack results in casualties that could have been prevented had the pressure on Russia finally become total – targeting everything that funds and produces Russia’s weapons of terror, as well as everyone who employs them,” Zelensky said. “We cannot turn a blind eye to such brutal strikes. We must respond with global resolve and strength. We are counting on the strength of Europe, America, and our other partners who can help protect lives,” he added. The academy strike was part of a wider series of Russian attacks on Kyiv that day. 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.