Russian drone hits SBU headquarters in Kyiv, injuring nine

September 4, 2026 at 08:52 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) in central Kyiv on September 4, injuring nine people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the drone was aimed directly at the office of SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad, who was not present at the time. The attack came hours before an expected visit by US special envoys seeking to end the war.

Key Facts

At least nine people were injured in the drone strike on the SBU headquarters in Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the drone was aimed directly at the office of SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported at least seven people injured in the strike.
The attack occurred hours before an expected visit by US special envoys seeking to end the war.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the attack a "major escalation that demands resolute responses".

The Strike

A Russian drone struck the central building of the SBU on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, opposite St. Sophia Cathedral, on September 4. The drone was aimed directly at the office of SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad, according to President Zelensky. Poklad was not in his office at the time of the strike. Heavy black smoke was seen above the city center following the attack. Images shared online showed black smoke pouring from two windows on the front of the building.

Casualties and Response

At least nine people were injured in the attack, according to Ukrainian Pravda. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least seven people were injured. It was not immediately disclosed whether SBU members were among the injured. Zelensky said he ordered Poklad to deliver an "appropriate, tangible response" and, where possible, one that mirrors the strike. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the attack a "major escalation that demands resolute responses".

Diplomatic Context

The attack came hours before an expected visit by US special envoys seeking ways to end the war. Experts suggested the strike signals Moscow could step up strikes before possible US mediation talks this weekend. Heather A. Conley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said the attack signaled a ramping up of the Kremlin's air offensive against Ukraine. Sybiha said Moscow launched the strike during a renewed push for peace, "laying bare its true rejection of diplomacy".