3 hrs ago
Russia Strikes Kyiv Intelligence Headquarters as Zelenskyy Proposes Ceasefire
A Russian drone hit the main office of Ukraine’s intelligence service in Kyiv.
The building is near the famous St Sophia Cathedral.
Emergency workers and armed officers went to the area after the attack.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Ukraine would respond.
He also asked Russia to stop air attacks temporarily.
His proposal is meant to make visits by two American diplomats safer.
The diplomats, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, plan to meet officials in Moscow and Kyiv.
They are discussing ideas for ending the long-running war.
The article says Russia has continued launching drones and missiles, while Ukraine says it lacks enough Patriot interceptors.
A Russian drone struck the central headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service in Kyiv on Friday.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drone was aimed at the office of the agency’s head and promised an “appropriate, tangible response.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called the strike a “major escalation.”
Zelenskyy proposed a temporary halt to air strikes while United States envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visit Moscow and Kyiv.
The talks are intended to explore possible ways to end the Russia-Ukraine war, amid continuing attacks and Ukraine’s reported shortage of Patriot interceptors.
- Who
- A Russian drone struck Ukraine’s Security Service headquarters; Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andrii Sybiha, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff are also central to the report.
- What
- The strike hit the SBU’s central Kyiv building as Zelenskyy proposed a temporary ceasefire during upcoming United States diplomatic visits.
- Where
- The strike took place on Volodymyrska Street in central Kyiv, opposite St Sophia Cathedral; the envoys were expected to visit Moscow and Kyiv.
- When
- The attack occurred on Friday; Kushner and Witkoff were expected in Moscow on Saturday and Kyiv on Sunday.
- Why
- Zelenskyy said the temporary halt was intended to support the talks and logistical arrangements for the American envoys’ visit, while Ukraine characterized the strike as a serious escalation.
Key facts
- Target
- The central building of Ukraine’s Security Service, known as the SBU
- Location
- Volodymyrska Street, central Kyiv, opposite St Sophia Cathedral
- Reported response
- Zelenskyy instructed the SBU to deliver an “appropriate, tangible response”
- Ceasefire proposal
- Zelenskyy called for both sides to halt air strikes temporarily during the diplomatic visit
- Diplomatic visitors
- United States envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff
- Travel plans
- The envoys were expected to hold talks in Moscow on Saturday and travel to Kyiv on Sunday
- Air-defense concern
- Ukraine reported a critical shortage of United States-made Patriot interceptors
Quotes
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
“Unfortunately, a Russian drone hit the central building of the SBU on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, opposite the St Sophia Cathedral. The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building.”
firstpost.com
“There will be no air strikes from our side, and Russia must do the same, ensuring there are no air strikes from its side for the time needed to hold these talks and handle the logistical matters related to this American visit.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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