The National Art Museum of Ukraine in Kyiv sustained damage during a Russian attack on the city, as reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture. The assault occurred overnight, resulting in structural harm to the museum, although its collection and staff were unharmed.
Ministry officials indicated that museum personnel and relevant services are currently assessing the building to document the damage and determine the extent of the destruction. Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna emphasized the significance of the museum, stating, “The National Art Museum of Ukraine is a repository of our artistic history. Russia systematically targets civilian infrastructure and cultural institutions. Each strike is an attempt to intimidate and obliterate our identity.”
As a precaution, the museum announced it would remain closed indefinitely. This incident is part of a larger pattern of assaults, as Ukraine faced a significant wave of attacks on May 24, where Russian forces launched approximately 600 drones and 90 missiles targeting various locations, primarily in Kyiv.
The latest assault resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left 62 others injured. Damage was reported at over 40 sites across several districts, including Shevchenkivskyi, Darnytskyi, Desnyanskyi, Obolonskyi, and Holosiivskyi.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the attack impacted residential buildings, shopping centers, educational institutions, a market, and administrative buildings, including those of the State Emergency Service and the police, as well as the National Chernobyl Museum.
In response, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed responsibility for the extensive drone and missile strikes, including the use of ballistic missiles, asserting that they targeted military command centers, air bases, and defense industry facilities in Ukraine.
A recent Russian attack on Kyiv damaged the National Art Museum of Ukraine, prompting its indefinite closure. The assault resulted in casualties and widespread destruction across multiple districts in the city.