Russian drone targets SBU chief's office in Kyiv, Zelensky vows 'mirrored' retaliation

President Zelensky confirmed on Telegram that the unmanned aerial vehicle hit the SBU building in the historic heart of the capital, close to Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. "The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building," he said. It remains unclear whether Poklad was present at the time. Zelensky said he had spoken with him and ordered "an appropriate, tangible response and, where possible, one that mirrors this strike, to the Russians once everything is ready."

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said five people were hurt, though ABC News later reported at least seven injured. A nearby café belonging to the Zavertailo chain was destroyed; co-owner Stanislav Zavertaylo told the BBC that all its windows were broken and there was extensive damage — the third of his cafés damaged since the full-scale invasion began. One customer was taken to hospital.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the attack "a major escalation that demands resolute responses," adding that "Moscow launched this strike during a renewed push for peace — laying bare its true rejection of diplomacy." The strike coincides with reports that US-mediated peace talks may be imminent, with envoys expected to visit both Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend.

The SBU is responsible for some of Ukraine's most ambitious operations behind enemy lines, including the 2022 bombing of the Kerch Bridge and the 2025 "Spiderweb" drone attack on Russian strategic bombers. Russia has condemned such operations as terrorism.

Why This Matters

The direct targeting of a senior security official's office represents an escalation in Russian precision-strike capability and willingness to hit central government buildings in Kyiv.
The timing — amid a renewed push for US-mediated peace talks — suggests Moscow may be seeking to strengthen its negotiating position by demonstrating military pressure.
Continuous nightly drone attacks on the capital for ten days are testing civilian morale and Ukraine's air defence capacity.

Background

The SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) is the country's main intelligence and counterintelligence agency, and has played a central role in striking Russian military and energy infrastructure. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine's government buildings in central Kyiv have rarely been hit directly by drones or missiles; Friday's strike breaks that pattern. Reports that Trump administration peace envoys will visit both capitals this weekend add a diplomatic dimension to the attack.

Key Perspectives

Ukraine (Zelensky/Sybiha): The strike is a major escalation and proof that Russia rejects diplomacy. Ukraine promises a response that mirrors the attack in kind. Russia (implicit): No official comment appears in the sources, but the targeting of the SBU chief's office aligns with Moscow's longstanding portrayal of the SBU as a legitimate military target responsible for "terrorist" attacks on Russian soil. Critics/Skeptics: Some Kyiv residents expressed resignation — one told ABC News "people can get used to this" — while questioning whether strikes will intensify. The attack may also complicate any ceasefire talks, as each side tries to claim leverage.

What to Watch

US envoy visits over the weekend: whether the envoys condemn the strike or maintain a balanced approach.
Ukraine's retaliatory strike: Zelensky promised a "mirrored" response, which could include a strike on a Russian security building.
The casualty count: differing figures (5 vs 7) may be clarified as emergency services finish their work.

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