Russian Drone Strikes Ukraine’s Security Service Headquarters in Central Kyiv

Zelenskyy confirmed that SBU acting head Oleksandr Poklad survived the strike. In a statement on social media, the Ukrainian president said the drone was deliberately aimed at the director’s office and ordered Poklad to prepare “an appropriate, tangible response” that would mirror the Russian attack where possible.

The strike marks a significant escalation in Russia’s ongoing aerial campaign against the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv has faced near-continuous drone attacks for roughly 10 consecutive days, with repeated hits on residential areas, infrastructure, and now a key intelligence facility in the historic centre.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attack as a “major escalation.” Streets around the SBU headquarters were quickly cordoned off, with armed officers securing the area and ambulances stationed nearby.

The assault comes as U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepare for imminent visits to both Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to restart stalled negotiations aimed at ending the war. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would refrain from aerial strikes on Russia during the envoys’ visit and called on Moscow to do the same to ensure the safety of the talks.

The SBU is one of the Ukrainian agencies involved in deep-strike operations inside Russian territory. Analysts noted that striking its headquarters in central Kyiv represents a bold move that further erodes remaining red lines in the conflict, which is approaching its fifth year.

Emergency crews continued operations at the site into the evening as authorities assessed the full extent of the damage.