Russian drone strikes SBU headquarters in Kyiv, five wounded

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in central Kyiv on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, as at least five people were wounded in the attack.

An AFP reporter saw ambulances near the scene, while images published by Ukrainska Pravda showed what appeared to be black smoke emerging from at least two windows of the building. A fire engine was also seen outside.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least five people were injured.

Zelensky said the drone hit the SBU’s central building on Volodymyrska Street, opposite St Sophia Cathedral. He said the drone was aimed directly at the office of SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad and that he had spoken to Poklad following the strike.

“Unfortunately, a Russian drone hit the central building of the SBU,” Zelensky said in a statement on Telegram.

He instructed the SBU chief to prepare an “appropriate, tangible response” against Russia and, where possible, one that would mirror the attack once preparations were complete.

Russia has intensified daytime drone strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, including the use of jet-powered drones that are more difficult for Ukrainian air defences to intercept.

AFP said it could not immediately verify the type of munition used in Friday’s attack.

The strike occurred in central Kyiv, near one of the Ukrainian capital’s prominent historic landmarks, as Russia continues its campaign of drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.