Damaged Langbard building and destroyed Chernobyl Museum. Results of the Russian attack on Kyiv's historic center
The massive Russian attack on Kyiv on May 24 led to significant destruction in the capital's historic center. Among the affected sites are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, the National Art Museum, and the virtually completely destroyed Chernobyl Museum, which had only reopened a month ago after restoration.
Fire in the Chernobyl Museum building in Kyiv as a result of a Russian strike. Photo: news.pn
The most catastrophic consequences of the strike were for the National Chernobyl Museum, located in Podil in the historic fire station building. It was almost completely destroyed.
Adding particular tragedy to the situation is the fact that the institution only reopened to visitors on April 27, 2026, after extensive restoration, timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident.
Destruction of the Chernobyl Museum building in Kyiv. Photo: Chernobyl Biosphere Reserve
Damaged exposition of the Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv. Photo: "Ancient Kyiv" Reserve
As reported by Yaroslav Emelianenko, head of the Association of Chernobyl Operators, the destruction is very significant. Employees are currently clearing rubble and rescuing what can still be saved. According to him, windows in neighboring houses were blown out, and he had to detain a looter in one of the apartments.
Destruction around the Chernobyl Museum in Kyiv. Photo: news.pn
In the morning, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko visited the damaged museum, with Klymenko calling the strike "a conscious attack on history and truth."
Strike on the center of "Ancient Rus'"
The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also sustained damage. According to Minister Andriy Sybiha, windows were blown out in the building, erected according to the design of architect Iosif Langbard in 1939. He particularly noted that the structure had not been damaged since World War II.
"Russian strikes were aimed at the historical district, precisely at the center of ancient Rus'. Another proof that we are dealing with hordes of barbarians," the minister added.
The blast wave also affected the National Art Museum of Ukraine. The collection and staff of the institution were not harmed, but the building itself, which is an architectural monument, sustained damage.
Damage to the National Art Museum of Ukraine. Photo: Ministry of Culture of Ukraine
Damage to the National Art Museum of Ukraine. Photo: Ministry of Culture of Ukraine
Destruction was also recorded in other historical locations. In the "Ancient Kyiv" reserve, the Kontraktovy House was affected, and on Poshtova Square, the Postal Station and the Church of the Nativity of Christ were damaged. Film director Iryna Tsilyk reported damage to the Kyiv Opera on Podil.
The attack on Kyiv on May 24 was very massive. In total, according to preliminary data, about 90 missiles and 600 drones of various types were launched. In the Bila Tserkva area, the use of the "Oreshnik" ballistic missile (RS-26 "Rubezh") was recorded. In Kyiv, at least two people died, and another 56 were injured, including children.
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