Russia strikes Ukraine's SBU intelligence headquarters in Kyiv

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service on Volodymyrska Street in central Kyiv on Friday, directly opposite St Sophia Cathedral, a Unesco world heritage site. Black smoke rose over the area and the blast was heard several blocks away.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drone had been aimed directly at the office of the head of the SBU within the building, and he instructed the agency to prepare an "appropriate, tangible response." Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strike as a "major escalation" and urged international partners to unequivocally condemn Russia's actions and increase pressure on the Putin regime.

Streets around the SBU building were cordoned off after the attack, with armed officers patrolling and numerous ambulances stationed nearby. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least nine people were injured.

Stanislav Zavertailo, co-owner of a nearby cafe, said the blast shattered all his windows and injured a customer who had been eating a poppy seed roll at the time. Staff and customers took shelter underground, fearing a "double-tap" strike — a tactic in which Russia sends a second drone shortly after the first, targeting emergency responders. An hour later no second strike had occurred, though the cafe owner said he still did not feel at ease.

Kyiv has endured daily drone and missile barrages for more than a week. Ukraine faces a shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, while many recent Russian strikes have used new jet-powered drones capable of speeds up to 250mph, making them difficult to intercept. It is unusual for Russian strikes to reach government buildings in central Kyiv, particularly in daylight.

The SBU coordinates complex operations against Russia, including last year's Operation Spiderweb, which destroyed billions of pounds worth of Russian aircraft. The strike came two days before US special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner were due to make their first visit to Kyiv, as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled amid Washington's shifting focus toward the conflict with Iran.