Russian Drone Strike Reported At Ukraine Intelligence Service Headquarters In Kyiv

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service on Volodymyrska Street in central Kyiv on Friday, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strike occurred near St. Sophia Cathedral, with an AFP reporter witnessing ambulances stationed close to the scene.

At least five people were wounded in the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced. An image published by Ukrainska Pravda showed what appeared to be black smoke emerging from at least two windows of the building, while a fire engine was seen outside the headquarters.

Zelensky, who spoke with SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad following the strike, noted that the drone was directed at the central building housing the Security Service. Ukrainian authorities were assessing the situation and responding to the damage caused by the attack in the city centre.

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The strike comes as Russia has intensified daytime attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks. Some of the attacks have involved jet-powered drones, which Ukrainian authorities have described as more difficult for air defence systems to intercept.

The exact type of munition used in Friday’s strike could not immediately be independently verified by AFP. The attack on a key Ukrainian security installation in central Kyiv adds to the pressure on the capital as Russian strikes continue to target locations across Ukraine.

Zelensky instructed the SBU leadership to prepare an appropriate response to the attack. He indicated that Ukraine would respond once preparations were complete, including, where possible, with an action intended to mirror the strike.

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