A Russian drone strike hit the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in central Kyiv, sending plumes of black smoke into the air near St Sophia Cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had instructed the SBU to deliver an “appropriate, tangible response” to the attack. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strike as a “major escalation”. Soon after the attack on Friday, roads around the SBU building on Volodymyrska Street were cordoned off and armed officers were deployed in the area. Emergency services and ambulances were also stationed nearby. Zelenskyy said the drone struck the central building of the SBU, opposite the cathedral. He added that the drone was aimed at the office of the head of the Security Service located in that structure, and said the explosion could be heard from several blocks away. He said the attack was carried out during the day. Kyiv Raises Defence ConcernsKyiv has faced daily drone and missile attacks from Russia for more than a week. Zelenskyy earlier on Friday called for Russia to halt its strikes during a visit to Kyiv by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner scheduled for Sunday, during which they are expected to travel to Moscow. He said Ukraine would guarantee the safety of Russian airspace while they are in the US-led talks. Ukraine is also dealing with a critical shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors capable of shooting down incoming threats. Some of Russia’s recent strikes have used new-model, jet-powered drones that can reach speeds of 250mph, which Ukraine says makes them harder to intercept. Analysts say strikes on government sites in the centre of Kyiv remain relatively rare, particularly during daylight, and the SBU hit is expected to add to a pattern of escalating exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv in recent weeks. Ukraine’s ability to defend key infrastructure has been a central concern amid the continuing attacks. Injuries And Damage ReportedKyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said at least nine people were injured in the strike. Local residents and businesses nearby reported disruptions and damage after the blast. Stanislav Zavertailo, co-owner of the nearby Zavertailo cafe, said one customer was hurt and that the explosion shattered windows across the premises. He said the customer was eating a poppy seed roll when the attack occurred. After the strike, staff and customers moved into an underground shelter, fearing a “double-tap” tactic in which a second drone is sent soon after the first, targeting emergency workers. An hour later, there had been no second attack, but Zavertailo said he still did not feel at ease, adding that people were waiting for another strike. Sybiha said the attack “demands resolute responses” and urged international partners to “unequivocally condemn” the action and increase pressure on the Putin regime. Diplomatic Timeline And Prior OperationsThe SBU is responsible for coordinating complex operations against Russia, including last year’s Operation Spiderweb, which destroyed aircraft worth billions of pounds inside Russia. The strike also comes as international diplomatic efforts are set to resume. It was reported to be two days before Witkoff and Kushner were expected to visit Kyiv for the first time. US-led efforts to end Russia’s invasion, now in its fourth and a half year, have stalled in recent months as the United States has shifted focus towards the war in the Middle East involving Iran. Join the discussion? 5 September 2026
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