Russian Drone Hits Ukraine's SBU Intelligence HQ in Kyiv

Russian drone attack hits Ukraine's SBU headquarters in Kyiv. During more than four-and-a-half years of war with Russia, Ukrainian government buildings have rarely been damaged in drone and missile strikes. Smoke rises from the SBU headquarters in Kyiv.

( Gleb Garanich ) A Russian drone targeted the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The attack marks a new escalation, as throughout Russia's lengthy war on Ukraine, government buildings have rarely been damaged in drone and missile strikes. At least seven people were injured and Kyiv has vowed a "tangible" response.

A Russian drone hit the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, vowing to retaliate as Moscow kept up its constant air attacks on the capital for the tenth day. Heavy black smoke rose in Kyiv city centre following the attack, on Friday, local time, which signalled a new escalation in the conflict. At least seven people were injured, Kyiv's mayor said.

The SBU is vital to Ukraine's war efforts as it executes high-impact, deep strikes to damage Russia's war machine and its energy infrastructure. "The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building, Mr Zelenskyy said on the Telegram app. It was not immediately clear if SBU members were among the injured.

Mr Zelenskyy said that he ordered "an appropriate, tangible response and, where possible, one that mirrors this strike, to the Russians once everything was ready. Numerous ambulances and emergency services were heading to the scene in the historic part of the city close to the Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The owner of a popular bakery, Zavertailo, said on the Telegram app that their building located opposite the SBU building was also destroyed in the attack.

Russian drones targeted downtown Kyiv and Ukraine's SBU headquarters, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. ( AP: Francisco Seco ) One woman shouted into her phone that she had popped out to buy cigarettes and been startled by the explosion. Ukraine's capital has been under continuous Russian drone attack for 10 days.

On Wednesday, a university in the city centre was also hit. I think (people) can get used to this. In the centre of Kyiv, and in the centre of Moscow. It will get worse, I believe this, said Oleh, 33, who declined to give his last name.