Russia Strikes Ukraine Security Service Headquarters in Kyiv. Zelensky Vows a ‘Tangible Response.’

Russia struck the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service in central Kyiv on Friday, hitting one of the country's most important intelligence institutions as Moscow extended a relentless series of drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital.

A Russian drone hit the headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, on September 4, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky said the drone appeared to have been deliberately directed at the office of the SBU head.

"The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building," Zelensky said on social media. He ordered Ukrainian forces to prepare what he described as an "appropriate, tangible response," adding that Kyiv would seek, where possible, to mirror the Russian strike.

At least nine people were injured in the attack, according to the latest update from the Kyiv Independent, which cited local authorities.

Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene near Saint Sophia Cathedral, one of Kyiv's best-known landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A nearby business was also destroyed in the explosion, according to its owner.

The strike represents a notable escalation because Ukrainian government headquarters have generally escaped direct damage during much of Russia's full-scale invasion, despite repeated missile and drone attacks on Kyiv.

The SBU is particularly significant as a target because of its central role in Ukraine's intelligence and covert operations against Russia. The agency has been linked to some of Kyiv's most ambitious operations of the war, including attacks on Russian military infrastructure far beyond the front lines.

The SBU was involved in the 2022 attack on the Kerch Bridge linking Russia to occupied Crimea and the 2025 "Spiderweb" drone operation that targeted Russian strategic bombers. Moscow has also accused Ukrainian intelligence services of involvement in assassinations of Russian military officials and other figures.

Kyiv endured its 10th consecutive day of Russian drone strikes on Friday. Earlier this week, another attack damaged a university in the city center. The broader bombardment has intensified across Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said Russian attacks killed at least six people and wounded dozens nationwide during the previous 24 hours.

Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 121 Shahed-type attack drones, including a large number of newer jet-powered variants. In comparison, Ukrainian defenses intercepted 103 drones and other aerial weapons, according to the Kyiv Independent.

The strike on the SBU headquarters also comes as Ukraine continues attacks deeper inside Russian territory. Ukrainian forces said Friday that two Russian oil refineries had stopped operations following Ukrainian strikes, part of Kyiv's expanding campaign against energy and military infrastructure used to support Moscow's war effort.