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# Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Security Service Headquarters in Central Kyiv
- URL: https://beirutwire.com/russia-strikes-ukraines-security-service-headquarters-in-central-kyiv/
- Published: 2026-09-05T07:53:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-05T07:53:00.000Z
- Description: Russia has struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in central Kyiv, with a drone reportedly targeting the office of acting intelligence chief Oleksandr Poklad. At least 12 people were injured.
- Author: Beirut Wire
- Tags: Politics

A Russian attack drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s **Security Service, the SBU, in central Kyiv on September 4**, hitting one of the highest-profile Ukrainian government targets of the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drone was aimed directly at the office of acting SBU chief **Oleksandr Poklad**, who was not there at the time. At least **12 people were injured** in the attack.

The SBU headquarters sits on Volodymyrska Street, directly opposite the historic St. Sophia Cathedral. The strike caused heavy smoke and damage to the building and surrounding area, while nearby businesses and historic structures were also affected. Ukrainian officials said the cathedral itself was not damaged.

The target is especially significant because the SBU has played a central role in some of Ukraine’s most ambitious operations against Russia, including attacks on Russian military infrastructure, oil facilities and strategic assets far behind the front line. A direct strike on its headquarters therefore represents both a military and symbolic escalation.

Zelenskyy has ordered the SBU to prepare what he described as an appropriate and potentially **“symmetrical” response**, saying Ukraine has already determined where it intends to retaliate. The SBU itself warned that Russia would receive a significant response.

The attack also comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment. U.S. envoys **Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner** are expected to travel to Moscow and Kyiv as Washington attempts to revive negotiations over ending the war. Instead, the strike underscores how the air campaign is intensifying even as diplomatic efforts continue.