Russia hits Ukrainian security headquarters in drone attack, Zelensky says
A Russian drone strike hit the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) headquarters in Kyiv, prompting President Zelensky to order a retaliatory response. The attack occurred amid reports of upcoming US-led peace mediation talks.
Why it matters
The strike represents a significant escalation in the conflict and suggests Russia may be attempting to influence the diplomatic landscape ahead of potential negotiations.
Image source, Reuters By Dan Sales and James Landale , Diplomatic correspondent Published 4 September 2026, 16:55 BST Updated 12 minutes ago A Russian drone has hit the headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) during a strike in the heart of Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
The unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the SBU headquarters on Friday afternoon, targeting a room used by security chief Oleksandr Poklad.
It is not clear whether Poklad was in the building, but Zelensky said he had since spoken to him to order an "appropriate, tangible response".
"The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building," Zelensky confirmed. It suggests Russia's new drones are growing in accuracy and signals Moscow could step up strikes before possible US mediation talks this weekend.
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