A Russian drone has struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in central Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday, in an attack that caused damage and left several people injured.
Zelenskyy said the drone hit the SBU’s main building on Volodymyrska Street, directly opposite the historic St Sophia Cathedral. He said the attack appeared to have specifically targeted the office of SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad.
Local authorities reported that several people were injured, although early casualty figures varied as emergency crews continued working at the scene. Heavy smoke was seen rising over central Kyiv, while ambulances and emergency services were deployed around the damaged building.
The strike comes after days of intensified Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine. Recent attacks have damaged residential, educational and other civilian infrastructure, placing additional pressure on Ukraine’s air-defence systems.
Zelenskyy condemned the strike and said he had spoken with Poklad following the incident. He instructed the SBU chief to prepare an appropriate response to Russia, signalling that Kyiv could seek to retaliate against the attack.
The location of the strike has also raised concerns because the SBU headquarters is situated in the heart of Kyiv, close to major historical and tourist sites. The attack highlights the continuing ability of Russian drones to reach central areas of the Ukrainian capital despite Ukraine’s extensive air-defence efforts.
The latest incident comes as diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war continue. The timing of the attack adds further tension as Kyiv prepares for discussions involving US officials aimed at exploring possible paths toward ending the conflict.
Ukraine has repeatedly called on its international partners to provide additional air-defence systems and ammunition as Russian attacks continue. Kyiv has warned that stronger protection is needed to defend cities, critical infrastructure and government institutions.
For now, Ukrainian authorities are assessing the damage and investigating the full circumstances of the strike, while tensions between Moscow and Kyiv remain high.