On September 30, 2026, a Russian attack drone struck the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv — approximately 100 meters from the research nuclear reactor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns this act of Russian nuclear terrorism. This is another strike that continues attacks on Ukrainian nuclear industry facilities.

In recent days Russian attacks have been targeted several key facilities in Ukraine’s nuclear industry and scientific ecosystem. Buildings used by JSC «NNEGC Energoatom» were damaged. On September 28 a Russian drone struck the building of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine: it was severely damaged and two people were killed. Now the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, where a research nuclear facility is located, has been targeted.

Ukraine considers these actions as the systematic destruction of nuclear infrastructure and a continuation of targeted terror against Ukrainian nuclear science. Back in 2022, Russian troops repeatedly shelled the National Scientific Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology,” damaging the infrastructure of the “Neutron Source” nuclear facility. Russia systematically destroys the conditions necessary for scientists to work. The aggressor-state jeopardizes the safety of nuclear facilities, for which Ukrainian specialists are working on a daily basis.

This escalation calls for a clear response from the IAEA. Such response must be reinforced by concrete actions from states and the international scientific community. We call on the Agency’s Director General to unequivocally condemn Russia’s latest attack and demand that Russia immediately cease such strikes.

Russia cannot destroy Ukrainian nuclear and scientific institutions while continuing to reap the benefits of international cooperation in this field unhindered. We call on our partners to strengthen sanctions against the Russian nuclear sector, in particular against Rosatom. Partners must also restrict institutional cooperation with Russian scientific organizations, including their participation in international research programs and access to funding. Countries that maintain nuclear and scientific cooperation with Russia should use these ties to exert pressure on Moscow.

At the same time, Ukraine needs additional capabilities to protect facilities that remain under threat of Russian strikes. We call on our partners to accelerate the delivery of air defense systems, missiles for such systems, and means to intercept attack drones. Defensive measures and sanctions must deprive Russia of the ability to continue its nuclear terror and hold it accountable for the attacks it has carried out.