Drone Attack Targets Ukraine Security Service Headquarters in Central Kyiv

Russia launched a targeted drone strike against the headquarters of Ukraine’s domestic intelligence service in central Kyiv on Friday afternoon, directing an explosive device at the office of the agency’s director, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed.

The explosion occurred at the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine, located near the historic St. Sophia Cathedral. The attack unfolded during another day of intense aerial bombardment across Kyiv as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify.

Zelinsky stated on social media that the agency’s director, Oleksandr Poklad, survived the strike. The Ukrainian president added that he had instructed Poklad to develop a response that would mirror the Russian attack.

The strike in central Kyiv, comparable to targeting a senior Russian official near Red Square, represents another escalation in Europe’s deadliest conflict in generations, with established boundaries being repeatedly crossed.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene. At least 12 people sustained injuries, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The attack occurred as American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were preparing imminent visits to Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to revive stalled peace negotiations, Ukrainian officials reported.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the Russian attack as “a major escalation” requiring a decisive response. “Moscow launched this strike during a renewed push for peace — laying bare its true rejection of diplomacy,” he stated.

Kyiv has endured sustained missile and drone barrages for more than a week. At least six people have been killed in strikes across the city in the past 24 hours.

On Thursday, Russian strikes destroyed a Coca-Cola bottling facility in the Kyiv region and a World Health Organization warehouse containing humanitarian medical supplies.

Throughout the conflict, Ukraine’s Security Service (S.B.U.) has evolved from a traditional domestic counterintelligence agency into a specialized deep-strike and sabotage force, carrying out some of the war’s most daring operations within Russia.

In 2022, the agency coordinated a devastating truck-bombing attack on the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to occupied Crimea. Multiple road sections collapsed, and fuel tankers caught fire on an adjacent railway line.

S.B.U. operatives struck the bridge again in 2023, deploying maritime drones against the structure’s support pillars.

Perhaps their most ambitious operation occurred in 2025, when the agency smuggled dozens of strike drones and launchers into Russia concealed within truck containers disguised as cargo and prefabricated structures. Ukraine subsequently used these drones to attack strategic air bases throughout Russia.

The S.B.U. headquarters occupies one of Kyiv’s most heavily secured areas. The street in front of the building has remained closed to pedestrian traffic since the war’s early months. The complex sits near historical landmarks, popular cafés, and residential buildings.

St. Sophia’s Cathedral was undamaged, according to Ukrainian officials, though windows in nearby structures on the grounds were shattered by the blast.

Stanislav Zavertailo, proprietor of a neighboring café, reported that his establishment was destroyed.

“I don’t know what else to say,” he wrote on social media. “I’m heading there. I’m most worried about the guests and the team.”

One customer was transported to hospital, he noted.

“It appears to be effects from the blast wave, with no bleeding or visible injuries,” he described. “The entire team is safe and unharmed, but they remain in shock.”

Following the attack, the S.B.U. issued a vow of retaliation.

“The Russians will receive a painful response to their strikes — more special operations, uncovered agent networks and eliminated enemies,” the agency declared in a statement.

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