Russian drone strikes Kyiv security service office, Zelenskyy vows retaliation

A Russian drone struck the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) headquarters in central Kyiv on Friday afternoon, hitting the office of acting chief Oleksandr Poklad, who was not present. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attack and promised retaliation. The explosion occurred at 3:30 p.m. local time, with witnesses reporting thick smoke rising from the building. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a fire broke out in the Shevchenkivskyi district after the drone hit the roof of the non-residential structure, with emergency services dispatched to the scene. Zelenskyy stated the drone was directed specifically at Poklad's office and ordered the SBU chief to respond "adequately, tangibly, and in the same manner" once preparations are complete, with armed forces support.