Russian drone attack on SBU headquarters in Kiev – Zelensky orders a mirror-image response

The Ukrainian capital has not been able to calm down for days because of Russian attacks. Now a drone has hit a special target. President Zelensky orders a response.

After a direct Russian attack on the headquarters of the secret service SBU, President Volodymyr Zelenskyj ordered the SBU to respond to Russia in a "mirror image." (Archive image) Photo: Ukraine Presidency/Planet Pix via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Kyiv. A Russian drone hit the main building of the Ukrainian secret service SBU in the center of the capital Kiev. "The drone aimed directly at the SBU head's office in this building," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram. The head of state therefore instructed SBU boss Olexander Poklad to respond to this attack in a "mirror image" to Russia.

In a later post, after speaking with Poklad, Zelensky wrote that the geographical framework for responding to the Russian attacks had been established. Zelensky announced that the timing would be chosen to ensure results.

According to the city administration, at least twelve people were injured in the attack on the secret service headquarters. The roof of the building and the outer wall were damaged. Photos circulating on social media showed an impact hole in a window opening on the second floor of the side wing.

Damage not only to the SBU building

The SBU confirmed the damage in a statement. These would now be repaired. "And the Russians are receiving a painful response to their attacks - more covert operations, exposed agent networks and destroyed enemies," it said on Telegram.

According to the museum administration, the drone strike also had an impact on St. Sophia Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accordingly, the window panes in an 18th century administration building shattered. Other buildings in the museum complex were not affected.

Ukraine demands response from UNESCO and partners

Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha described the attack on Platform X as a “significant escalation”. He called on UNESCO to respond. The UN organization should increase its efforts to protect the endangered Ukrainian heritage.

At the same time, Sybiha pointed out that the drone attack took place during a new attempt to restart peace talks with US mediation. "We call on our international partners to unequivocally condemn these actions and increase pressure on the Putin regime," the chief diplomat wrote. According to unconfirmed reports, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is planning a trip to Moscow and then to Kiev along with US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. According to the information, talks are planned with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.

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