Russia launched a drone attack on the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) headquarters in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Friday. The strike injured five people and caused significant damage, with black smoke seen pouring from the building's windows.
"All emergency services are on the scene. Everyone affected will receive the necessary assistance," Zelensky said in a Telegram message. He also stated that he had instructed officials to deliver an "appropriate, tangible response" to the Russians.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called the attack a "major escalation that demands resolute responses." He added that Moscow launched the strike "during a renewed push for peace – laying bare its true rejection of diplomacy."
Images widely shared online depicted black smoke emanating from two windows on the front of the government building. Firefighters were observed working to extinguish the blaze.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also reported striking a cargo vessel in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk and a tanker near Odesa on Friday. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its daytime strikes on Ukrainian targets, often employing faster, jet-powered drones that are more difficult to intercept. The type of munition used in the SBU headquarters attack has not yet been confirmed.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that five individuals sustained injuries in the attack on the SBU offices, though he did not specify if they were inside the building at the time of the strike.