A Russian jet-powered drone targeted the central headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in downtown Kyiv, striking the building on Volodymyrska Street opposite the UNESCO-listed St. Sophia Cathedral.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the drone directly targeted the office of acting SBU head Oleksandr Poklad. Poklad was not in the office at the time of impact and was uninjured. Following an operational briefing with Poklad, Zelenskyy instructed the SBU and the Ukrainian military to prepare an appropriate, tangible, and mirrored response against Russian targets.
Key operational details and official reactions surrounding the strike include:
- Casualties and Structural Damage: Emergency response agencies reported that at least 12 people sustained injuries in the strike, with seven requiring hospitalization. The impact blew out exterior walls, structural flooring, and nearby windows. Neighboring civilian properties, including the Zavertailo bakery, were heavily damaged.
- Proximity to Cultural Heritage: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha underscored that the strike posed a direct threat to the nearby St. Sophia Cathedral complex. While the main cathedral remained intact, exterior structures within the sanctuary complex sustained minor damage.
- Escalation and Diplomatic Context: Sybiha condemned the strike as a major escalation, noting that it occurred amid renewed efforts to revive stalled peace talks.
- Tactical Pattern: The strike marks the ninth consecutive day of aerial attacks on the Ukrainian capital involving jet-powered Shahed-type drones.
Russian authorities have not issued an official comment regarding the strike.
