Russian drone strikes Ukraine SBU headquarters

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in central Kyiv on Friday, September 4, 2026, hitting one of the country’s most significant intelligence institutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the drone was deliberately aimed at the office of the SBU’s acting chief, Oleksandr Poklad, who was unharmed. The attack, which occurred in the afternoon, has been described by Ukrainian officials as a major escalation of the war. Following the strike, President Zelenskyy ordered an "appropriate, tangible response" from Ukrainian forces, aiming to mirror the Russian attack where possible. He confirmed he had spoken with Poklad and instructed him to prepare the retaliation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the strike a "major escalation that demands resolute responses" and suggested it demonstrated Russia's rejection of diplomacy amid renewed peace efforts. The SBU headquarters, located on Volodymyrska Street opposite the UNESCO World Heritage site St. Sophia Cathedral, is a high-profile target.