HARIANEXPRESS – A Russian drone strike severely damaged the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) headquarters in central Kyiv on Friday, September 4, 2026, leaving at least 12 people injured, with two in serious condition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promptly condemned the incident as a “major escalation” and directed his forces to prepare a “tangible response.” The attack occurred dangerously close to the historic St. Sophia Cathedral, a recognized Unesco world heritage site, triggering immediate international condemnation.
Russian Drone Strike Deemed ‘Major Escalation’
The drone strike on Volodymyrska Street, directly across from St. Sophia Cathedral, was confirmed by President Zelenskyy in a post on X. He specified that the drone had aimed directly at the office of Oleksandr Poklad, the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, within the central SBU building.
Emergency services rapidly deployed to the scene to assist all those affected by the attack. Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko initially reported five injuries, but this number later increased to 12 individuals wounded, with nine requiring hospitalization and two in serious condition.
“I spoke with the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Oleksandr Poklad. Unfortunately, a Russian drone struck the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, across from St. Sophia Cathedral. All emergency services are on the scene. Everyone affected will receive the necessary assistance. The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building. I instructed Poklad to deliver an appropriate, tangible response and, where possible, one that mirrors this strike, to the Russians once everything is ready. Our military will support this response. Glory to Ukraine!”
Ukrainian authorities are actively planning their retaliation, with President Zelenskyy stating that “the geography of our response has been determined.” He added, “The timing will be chosen to ensure results. Glory to Ukraine!”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed the strong condemnation, calling the attack “a major escalation that demands absolute responses.” He highlighted that the strike happened amidst renewed efforts for peace, exposing Moscow’s true rejection of diplomacy.
“Moscow launched this strike during a renewed push for peace – laying bare its true rejection of diplomacy. Located nearby, the Unesco world heritage site – St. Sophia Cathedral – was also placed at risk. We call on international partners to unequivocally condemn these actions and step up pressure on the Putin regime. We also urge Unesco to react decisively and increase its efforts to protect endangered heritage in Ukraine.”
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Context
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares was among the first European leaders to denounce the Russian aggression. He labeled the strike “an unacceptable escalation,” warning of its potential harm to “civilians, heritage and peace.”
“I strongly condemn the Russian attack on the Security Service headquarters in Kyiv, near St. Sophia Cathedral – a Unesco world heritage site. This attack is an unacceptable escalation. It targets civilians, heritage, and peace.”
Albares further clarified that the strike occurred during the presentation of credentials by the new Spanish ambassador to President Zelenskyy. He conveyed his full support for the ambassador and her team, acknowledging their challenging work conditions in Kyiv.
“It happened during the presentation of credentials of the Spanish ambassador to [president Zelenskyy],” he said in a post on X. “All my support to the ambassador and to the team of [the Spanish embassy in Kyiv] who are doing great work under very difficult conditions. Diplomacy and the rule of law are stronger than aggression.”
