CoE Secretary General after Russian attack on NAS building: Impunity won’t prevail

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has strongly condemned the recent Russian attack on the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine's building in Kyiv, expressing his deep sorrow over the senseless violence. Berset expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people, particularly the staff at the Kyiv office, who continue to face these attacks with bravery and determination.

He reiterated that Russia's crimes will not go unpunished. The attack on the NAS building on Monday resulted in a devastating fire on the upper floors, prompting an ongoing rescue operation. The State Emergency Service reported one death and six injuries, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioning that three children were among the injured.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko initially reported the deceased as a woman, but media outlets later identified her as an assistant to former National Security and Defense Council head Volodymyr Horbulin, who was also injured. The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language reported two academicians killed in the strike, with contact lost with several others.

Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK, confirmed multiple fatalities, though the exact number was not disclosed.