Volodymyr Zelenskyy Orders Tangible Response to Russian Drone Strike on SBU Headquarters
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to provide an appropriate and tangible response to a Russian drone strike that hit the SBU head office on Volodymyrska Street. The strike, which occurred in broad daylight, sent plumes of black smoke into the air and was heard from several blocks away. At least nine people were injured in the attack, and the nearby Zavertailo cafe saw its windows shattered by the shockwaves. Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, described the strike as a major escalation. The administration's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are scheduled to visit Kyiv on Sunday to participate in diplomatic efforts to end the invasion. Zelenskyy called for Russia to halt its attacks during this visit, and Ukraine guaranteed the safety of Russian airspace while the negotiators are in Moscow. The strike highlights a user of new-model jet-powered drones that reach speeds of 250 mph, which are difficult to intercept. Ukraine currently faces a critical shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors to counter these threats.
Sources
-
Russia strikes Ukraine Security Service headquarters in central Kyiv
CNN
-
Russian drone strikes Ukraine security service headquarters as US talks on the war are expected
AP News
-
Russian drone hits Ukranian security headquarters, Zelensky says
BBC
-
Russia strikes Ukraine intelligence HQ in ‘major escalation’
The Guardian