On Monday, a Russian jet-powered drone struck the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv, setting the top two floors on fire and forcing employees to escape by crawling out of windows. The attack occurred just before 1:30 p.m. Kyiv time, during a lunch break, when most staff were in their offices. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze as scientists, including 65-year-old deputy chief Vira Yevhrafova, lost their offices and research materials.

At least one person was killed and six injured, with one man missing. The strike is part of a sustained Russian campaign targeting Kyiv with jet-powered drones, which are difficult to intercept. Daily life in the capital is now marked by air-defense gunfire and frequent impacts on civilian infrastructure, including data centers, gas stations, and high-rises.

Less than two hours after the academy strike, another drone hit a clinic a mile south, followed by the interception of a third drone near a nearby building. The attacks have become routine, often going unreported internationally unless the visuals are dramatic. Ukrainians expressed grief and anger, with military lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko calling the war "idiotic" after sharing photos of people fleeing the burning building.

Vira Balanovska, 43, walking with her daughter past the flames, said Russia aims to frighten Ukrainians and halt their daily lives, targeting not just food supplies but also scientific research and education. Evelina Riabenko contributed reporting. Kim Barker, Maria Varenikova, and Oleksandra Mykolyshyn are New York Times reporters covering the war.