A drone originating from Russia targeted the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in Kyiv on Friday, hitting one of the most significant locations in the ongoing conflict as Russia escalated its airstrike operations against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the drone specifically aimed at the office of the head of the Security Service within the building, following his discussion with SBU acting head Oleksandr Poklad.
The assault was considered a notable escalation in the conflict by Ukraine, prompting Zelenskyy to pledge a retaliatory response as Moscow continued its airstrikes on Kyiv for the tenth consecutive day. The aftermath of the attack saw heavy black smoke billowing in Kyiv’s historic city center, with the city’s mayor confirming that at least 12 individuals were injured.
Throughout over four-and-a-half years of conflict with Russia, Ukrainian government facilities have seldom been targeted by drone and missile strikes. Zelenskyy announced his directive for a proportional and impactful response that mirrors the severity of the recent attack.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that preparations for an active response to the Russian strikes were discussed by Poklad during their meeting in Kyiv, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the determination of the response’s geographic scope. The SBU plays a critical role in Ukraine’s military operations, conducting strategic strikes within Russia to disrupt Moscow’s military capabilities and energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, the SBU has been involved in high-profile operations against Russia, including the bombing of a Russian bridge to Crimea in 2022 and a drone strike named Spiderweb in 2025 that targeted Russian strategic assets. The agency is also linked to covert operations targeting senior Russian military figures, which Ukraine accuses of war crimes, whereas Russia denounces these actions as terrorism.
The strike on the SBU coincided with the anticipated visits of U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv in the following days, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled amid ongoing fighting along the extensive front line and continuous bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Kyiv has reciprocated with intensified strikes inside Russia to weaken Moscow’s economic capacity to sustain the war.
Russia has recently shifted its tactics by conducting daytime strikes using fast-flying, jet-powered drones, heightening the fear and exhaustion among residents subjected to both day and night assaults. The relentless sound of air-raid sirens has become a daily occurrence in Kyiv, disrupting the lives of residents and raising concerns about the city’s security.
Residents like Volodymyr Bovsunovskyi and Ivan Datsiv are contemplating leaving Kyiv temporarily due to the constant threat of attacks and the toll it takes on their families. The situation in Kyiv remains tense, with the city’s inhabitants hoping for a respite from the ongoing violence while struggling to cope with the uncertainty and fear that pervade daily life.
