Zelensky Orders ‘Tangible Response’ Against Russia After Drone Strikes SBU HQ in Kyiv

Sep. 4, 2026 Smoke billowing from the SBU headquarters in Kyiv, Ukraine. pravda.com.ua Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has ordered the head of Ukraine’s SBU security service to carry out an “appropriate and tangible” response to a Russian drone strike against the agency’s headquarters in central Kyiv on Friday afternoon. In a post on X, Zelensky wrote that a Russian drone took direct aim at the office of SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad. Ukrainian media reported that Poklad was not in his office at the time of the attack, which took place at around 3:30 p.m. local time. Heavy black smoke was seen rising in central Kyiv following the strike, which Ukraine’s foreign minister described as a major escalation of the war. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least seven people were injured in the attack. Zelensky said he spoke with Poklad and instructed him to prepare a response that “mirrors” the Russian strike. “Our military will support this response,” the Ukrainian president wrote. The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the attack. Ukraine’s SBU is a vast and secretive agency responsible for ambitious operations deep inside Russia. It is also widely seen as a leading player in a campaign of covert assassinations of senior Russian military officials and other figures blamed by Ukraine for carrying out war crimes. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Ukraine war , Drones , Kyiv Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russian Strikes Kill 6, Cut Power Across Ukraine Ukrainian officials also reported large drone attacks in at least three other regions, including Zaporizhzhia. 1 Min read Russia Launches War’s Largest Drone Attack Just Days After Peace Talks, Ukraine Says One person was killed and parts of Ukraine were under an air raid alert for nine hours, with authorities saying Russia launched 273 drones. 2 Min read Russian Drone Attack Kills 1 in Kyiv Suburbs Local authorities said a truck driver was killed after he was hit by falling debris from a Russian drone that had been shot down. 1 Min read Russian Air Attack on Central Kyiv Kills At Least 2, Wounds 6 Ukrainian officials said Russian drones targeted Kyiv’s Pechersky district, home to the presidential palace and government quarter. 1 Min read