Russian Strikes Damage Cultural Sites Across Kyiv

Russia fired 90 missiles and 600 drones at Ukraine during a weekend barrage, striking cultural and government buildings in Kyiv.

The Interior Ministry stated that more than 40 percent of the National Chornobyl Museum collection was irrevocably lost. The museum had reopened recently after renovations marking the 40th anniversary of the 1986 nuclear disaster and has closed again for damage assessment.

Rescuers and staff recovered a painting by Maria Prymachenko and the Ukrainian flag that flew at the Chornobyl plant after Russian withdrawal in 2022. The Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service in the Kyiv region, next to the Chornobyl museum, was also struck.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia used an Oreshnik hypersonic missile for the third time since February 2022. The missile struck Bila Tserkva, 64 kilometres from Kyiv, where a shopping mall, residential buildings, and schools were damaged. Russia's Defence Ministry said the strikes targeted military command facilities, air bases, and military-industrial sites.

Moscow stated the attack was retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets inside Russia. Ukraine's Foreign Minister said the strikes also damaged the Cabinet of Ministers building and the Foreign Ministry. Mala Opera House posted images showing shattered windows and broken doors and requested volunteer assistance for cleanup.

Local authorities said at least four people were killed and dozens injured in the attacks across Kyiv.