Russian drone strikes SBU headquarters in central Kyiv, injuring 12

The Russian drone hit the SBU headquarters in central Kyiv precisely at the target center. Photo: Mark Edward Harris/ZUMA Press Wire/imago

From Kyiv — Marco Zschieck

While Kyiv awaits a US delegation, Russia sends drones. One hit a strategically important target: the headquarters of the SBU intelligence service.

The blast around 3:30 p.m. local time did not come out of nowhere. An air raid alert had been in effect in Kyiv for almost 30 minutes due to incoming Russian drones. Most had either flown on or been shot down. Only one was still over the city area but moving away from the center, local Telegram channels reported. Then the shockwave of an explosion was clearly felt even in Shevchenko Park in the city center. Some passersby quickly moved away, others searched for information on their smartphones. A large, light gray cloud of smoke rose above the impact site. One minute later, the all-clear was given.

On Friday afternoon, the headquarters of the SBU intelligence service in the Ukrainian capital was hit by a Russian drone. A fire broke out. Thick black smoke billowed from several windows on the second floor. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. Within minutes, half a dozen ambulances arrived.

This is not the first hit on a high-ranking government facility: A year ago, during a major missile and drone attack, a cruise missile crashed into the top floor of the Cabinet of Ministers building but did not explode. However, Friday's strike has a new quality because it was apparently deliberately intended. A video circulating on social networks shows one of the new jet-powered drones descending in its approach and hitting the front of the building.

The impact site is in the city center, only about 600 meters from the German embassy, between the opera house and St. Sophia Cathedral. Nearby is also the Golden Gate metro station, where many people were present during the afternoon rush hour. The shockwave also severely damaged a bakery branch across the street, as well as the monastery complex.

A Dozen People Injured

According to initial reports, 12 people were injured in the attack. Nine of them had to be hospitalized, two in critical condition. The surrounding streets were cordoned off during the extinguishing and recovery work. Many residents could not return to their apartments. The imposing building with its columned portal in the historic old town is well known. Since the start of Russia's large-scale attack, it has been heavily secured: The sidewalk in front is blocked off. Photography is prohibited. Armored vehicles are stationed in the side streets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an initial reaction. Those affected should receive the necessary support. "The drone targeted directly the office of the SBU chief in this building," Zelenskyy said on Telegram. He instructed SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad to respond appropriately, significantly, and, if possible, in kind, once everything is prepared. The intelligence service is involved in attacks deep inside Russian territory. The attack occurred ahead of an expected visit by a US delegation on Sunday, including Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Trump's golf partner Steve Witkoff.

For eight days, Russia has been subjecting the Ukrainian capital to permanent drone attacks. Sirens warn residents of danger at least a dozen times a day. Air raid alerts usually last between ten and 14 hours a day. In recent days, the strikes have often hit warehouses and logistics centers of Ukrainian supermarket chains in the suburbs. On Thursday, a drone crashed into the ninth floor of a residential building.

On Friday, two parked aircraft were reportedly hit at the city-near Zhuliany airport. For these attacks, Russia is using the new jet-powered Geran-4 attack drones, which are not only clearly