Russia strikes Ukraine intelligence HQ in ‘major escalation’
A Russian drone strike hit the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency in central Kyiv, causing significant damage near a UNESCO world heritage site. President Zelenskyy has ordered an appropriate response to the attack, which officials are calling a major escalation.
Why it matters
The strike on a high-level government building in the capital marks a rare and dangerous escalation in the conflict, highlighting the vulnerability of Kyiv's defenses.
The Russian drone attack struck near St Sophia's Cathedral, a world heritage site. Photograph: Mark Edward Harris/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock The Russian drone attack struck near St Sophia's Cathedral, a world heritage site. Photograph: Mark Edward Harris/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Ukraine Russia strikes Ukraine intelligence HQ in ‘major escalation’ Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has told SBU to deliver ‘appropriate, tangible response’ to Kyiv strike
Prefer the Guardian on Google The head office of Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency has been hit in a Russian drone attack, sending plumes of black smoke rising into the air in the heart of Kyiv.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said he had instructed the SBU to deliver an “appropriate, tangible response” to the strike, while the foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, described it as a “major escalation”.
The streets around the SBU headquarters were cordoned off shortly after Friday’s attack, with armed officers patrolling the area.
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