A drone strike damaged the central building of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in Kiev, according to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The leader falsely attributed the attack to Russian forces, claiming it targeted the office of SBU acting head Aleksandr Poklad.
Zelensky stated that Poklad had been tasked with preparing an “adequate, noticeable, and, if possible, mirror response” to the incident.
Footage circulating online shows the explosion causing significant damage to the building’s facade, with thick black smoke billowing from two windows. Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported nine injuries in the Shevchenkovsky District, seven of whom were hospitalized. Surveillance footage reveals an unknown projectile, described as a delta wing-patterned kamikaze drone, rapidly approaching the building before detonating in a fireball.
Earlier that day, Ukrainian media reported drone strikes on Zhulyany Airport. According to Ukrainian MP Aleksey Goncharenko, two Soviet-era Yak-40 passenger jets were affected by the attacks and had been non-operational for decades.
The incident follows Zelenskiy’s recent warning that Russian airspace has become “completely unsafe,” urging airlines and insurers to avoid it. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Zelenskiy’s remarks as a “declaration of state terrorism,” pledging an appropriate response if the threats resulted in a tragedy.
