Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Russian Drone Hits Ukraine’s SBU Headquarters, Escalating Kyiv Air War
A drone hit an important Ukrainian security building in central Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia sent the drone and aimed it at the office of security chief Oleksandr Poklad.
Poklad was not at the building and was not hurt.
Smoke and emergency vehicles were seen near the site.
A nearby bakery and parts of the historic area were also reported damaged.
Different Ukrainian reports said that between five and 12 people were wounded.
Ukraine’s foreign minister called the attack a major escalation.
Zelensky said Ukraine might respond by striking targets in Russia.
Russia had not immediately commented on Ukraine’s accusation.
A drone struck the Security Service of Ukraine headquarters on Volodymyrska Street in central Kyiv on Friday, September 4.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia directed the drone at acting SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad’s office; Poklad was unharmed.
Ukrainian reports gave differing casualty figures, ranging from at least five to at least 12 people wounded.
Smoke, emergency vehicles and damage were reported near the headquarters opposite Kyiv’s Saint Sophia Cathedral, while the nearby Zavertailo bakery was reported damaged or destroyed.
Zelensky called for a tangible response, saying potential retaliatory targets had been identified as Kyiv faced 10 consecutive days of reported Russian drone attacks.
- Who
- The reported participants were Russia and Ukraine; Volodymyr Zelensky, Oleksandr Poklad and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko provided information.
- What
- A drone struck the headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU.
- When
- Friday, September 4, during the 10th consecutive day of reported Russian drone attacks on Kyiv.
- Where
- The strike occurred on Volodymyrska Street in central Kyiv, opposite Saint Sophia Cathedral.
- Why
- Zelensky said the drone was aimed at the SBU chief’s office; the articles provide no Russian explanation.
Ukraine’s Account
Russia’s Position
Responsibility for the strike
Ukraine’s Account
Zelensky said a Russian drone hit the SBU headquarters and deliberately targeted the acting chief’s office. Ukraine described the attack as a major escalation.
Russia’s Position
Russia had not immediately commented on the Ukrainian claims in the articles.
Purpose and significance
Ukraine’s Account
Ukraine presented the strike as an attack on a vital security institution and a significant escalation, particularly because government buildings have rarely been damaged in such strikes, according to the reports.
Russia’s Position
The articles provide no Russian account of the strike’s purpose or significance.
Potential retaliation
Ukraine’s Account
Zelensky ordered the SBU to prepare a tangible response, possibly mirroring the strike, and said potential target areas had been identified.
Russia’s Position
The articles report no Russian response to Ukraine’s threatened retaliation.
- Reported target
- The central headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine on Volodymyrska Street.
- Named target
- The office of acting SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad, according to Zelensky.
- Casualties
- Reports differed, citing at least five, seven or 12 people wounded.
- Site damage
- Black smoke appeared from at least two windows, and nearby buildings, including the Zavertailo bakery, were reported damaged or destroyed.
- Location significance
- The headquarters is opposite Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Ukrainian response
- Zelensky ordered an appropriate, tangible response and said possible targets and the response geography had been identified.
- Attack pattern
- Reports said Kyiv had endured continuous Russian drone attacks for 10 days; a university in the city centre was also reportedly hit on Wednesday.
- Munition verification
- AFP said it could not immediately verify what type of munition was used.
