A Russian unmanned aerial vehicle hit the Security Service of Ukraine headquarters located in central Kyiv during Friday afternoon operations, with the strike directly targeting a room belonging to security chief Oleksandr Poklad. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the precision of the attack, noting that it demonstrated advancing Russian drone accuracy capabilities. Zelensky stated he had contacted Poklad to direct a proportional response to the strike.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that five individuals sustained injuries in the attack on the SBU facility. The impact caused significant damage to the surrounding area, including a nearby café operated by Stanislav Zavertaylo, who indicated this marked the third location in his establishment chain damaged since the full-scale invasion began. Images circulated online showed heavy smoke emanating from multiple windows of the targeted building.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha characterized the strike as a major escalation, stating it revealed Russia’s rejection of diplomatic efforts occurring during renewed peace discussions. The Russian defense ministry separately reported strikes on cargo and tanker vessels in Ukrainian port areas. The attack represents a notable instance of Russian forces successfully striking a major government installation in the capital.
The timing of the incident coincides with reported visits by US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to the region this weekend. The envoys are scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday and conduct talks with Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker a settlement to the conflict.
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