A drone deployed by Russian forces attacked the headquarters of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in Kyiv on Friday, injuring five individuals, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Unfortunately, a Russian drone targeted the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine located on Volodimirska Street, opposite St. Sophia Cathedral,” Zelensky stated on social media after conferring with acting SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad.
He added that the drone was directed specifically at the office of the Security Service’s head within that building.
The Mayor of Kyiv also confirmed on Telegram that five people had been injured in the attack.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha urged allies on Friday to increase pressure on Moscow, describing the drone strike on the SBU headquarters as a “rejection of diplomacy.”
“The Russian attack on the Ukrainian Security Service headquarters is a major escalation that demands firm responses,” he wrote on social media.
“Moscow launched this attack during a renewed effort for peace, revealing its true rejection of diplomacy,” the Ukrainian diplomat added.
The attack also resulted in the destruction of a popular bakery, Zavertailo, located within the targeted building, according to its owner.
Kyiv has faced constant drone attacks over the past ten days, with a university in the city center also struck on Wednesday.
Putin Spoke of Peace the Day Before
This drone strike comes just a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin made comments regarding the potential for peace.
“Ultimately, however, the issue must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict – Russia and Ukraine,” Putin stated on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
The Russian leader asserted that there is a chance for a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. “Is there a chance? In my opinion, yes, there is,” he added during an economic forum in Russia’s Far East.
