Russian Drone Hits SBU Headquarters in Kyiv, Wounding 12

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) in central Kyiv on Friday, marking one of the most significant attacks on a government institution since the war began. The strike wounded at least 12 people, according to the city's mayor, and sent thick black smoke rising over the historic district.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the drone was aimed directly at the office of the SBU chief, calling it a major escalation. He vowed an "appropriate, tangible response" and said preparations for retaliation were underway. The SBU has been central to Ukraine's deep-strike operations inside Russia, including the 2022 bombing of the Kerch bridge and a 2025 drone attack on Russian strategic bombers.

The attack came as U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to visit Moscow and Kyiv for diplomatic talks. A source said Washington was seeking security commitments for the envoys. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strike "lays bare Moscow's true rejection of diplomacy."

The blast occurred near the Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, shattering windows in the complex. Eyewitnesses described the shockwave, and a nearby bakery reported damage. Kyiv has faced continuous Russian drone attacks for ten consecutive days, with residents bracing for further escalation.