SBU to restore damaged building and prepares response to Russian strike

The Security Service of Ukraine said it will restore the building of the Central Directorate in Kyiv, damaged by a Russian strike on September 4. The special service also promised to respond to Russia with new operations, exposing agent networks and destroying the enemy.

A Russian drone struck the SBU building on Volodymyrska Street in central Kyiv on Friday afternoon. According to the Ukrainian side, the drone was deliberately aimed at the office of First Deputy Head and Acting Head of the SBU Oleksandr Poklad.

The Security Service reported that Poklad was not injured in the attack. The building itself was damaged, but the agency assured that it will be restored.

"As for the damaged building, it will definitely be restored. And the Russians will receive a painful response to their strikes — even more special operations, exposed agent networks and destroyed enemies," the SBU said.

Zelensky orders response

President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier confirmed that a Russian drone hit the central SBU building located on Volodymyrska Street opposite St. Sophia Cathedral.

According to the head of state, the drone's target was directly the office of the Security Service head. After the attack, Zelensky spoke with Poklad and ordered the preparation of a response to Russia.

"I tasked Poklad to respond to the Russians adequately, tangibly, and, if possible, in a mirror-like manner to this strike, when everything is ready. Our military will support this response," the president said.

Later, Poklad again reported to Zelensky on the preparation of retaliatory actions. The president said that the geography of future operations has already been determined, but specific targets and dates are not publicly disclosed.

"The timing will be chosen so that there is a result," Zelensky noted.

Fire broke out in the building after the hit

First reports of the strike appeared on the afternoon of September 4. Eyewitnesses reported an explosion in the central part of Kyiv, after which smoke rose over the Golden Gate and St. Sophia Square area.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko initially reported a fire in a non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district after a drone hit. Rescue workers, medics, and other emergency services worked at the scene.

As a result of the attack, the floors and the outer wall of the SBU building were damaged. Casualties were also reported in the center of the capital.

Poklad himself was not in the office at the time of the strike. The SBU believes that the nature of the hit indicates a targeted attack specifically on the office of the head of the special service.

Strike took place amid new intensification of air attacks

The attack on the central SBU building was part of another series of Russian strikes on Kyiv. In recent days, Russian forces have been actively using attack drones against the capital, including new jet-powered drones that significantly reduce the response time for air defense units.

After the strike on the SBU, Ukrainian authorities announced their intention to intensify retaliatory actions against Russia. However, details of the planned operations are not disclosed for security reasons.

Based on materials from: Security Service of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky