Russian drone hits Ukraine’s security service headquarters in Kyiv, Zelenskiy vows retaliation

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in central Kyiv on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, as Russian drone attacks on the capital continued for a 10th consecutive day.At least seven people were injured in the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Heavy black smoke rose over the city centre following the strike, while emergency services and ambulances rushed to the scene near the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral."The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building," Zelenskiy said on the Telegram app.Zelenskiy said he had ordered a response to the strike, including an attack mirroring the Russian assault where possible.He ordered "an appropriate, tangible response and, where possible, one that mirrors this ⁠strike, to the Russians once everything was ready."It was not immediately clear whether any SBU personnel were among those injured.The strike marks a rare instance of a Ukrainian government building being damaged during more than four-and-a-half years of war with Russia. The SBU plays a key role in Ukraine's war effort and has carried out high-impact operations targeting Russia's military and energy infrastructure.The attack also damaged a building opposite the SBU headquarters, according to the owner of the Zavertailo bakery, who said the premises were destroyed.Kyiv has faced repeated Russian drone attacks for 10 consecutive days. A university in the city centre was also struck on Wednesday.The latest attack came as the SBU continues operations against Russian targets. The agency has been involved in major operations including the 2022 bombing of a bridge linking Russia with occupied Crimea and the 2025 Spiderweb drone attack on Russian strategic bombers.Russia has also accused Ukraine of carrying out covert attacks and has denounced the killing of Russian military and other officials attributed to Ukrainian operations as terrorist attacks.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.