Russia struck the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service (S. B. U.) in central Kyiv on Friday with an exploding drone targeting director Oleksandr Poklad, who survived, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The blast near St. Sophia Cathedral injured at least 12 people, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Zelensky ordered a mirrored response. The attack came as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner planned visits to Moscow and Kyiv to revive peace talks.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it a "major escalation" exposing Moscow's rejection of diplomacy. Kyiv has endured days of heavy bombardment; six died in the past 24 hours. Thursday strikes destroyed a Coca-Cola plant and a WHO medical warehouse.

The S. B. U., transformed into a deep-strike force, previously hit the Kerch Bridge (2022, 2023) and smuggled drones into Russia for air base attacks (2025).

The agency vowed a "painful response" with more special operations. Nearby cafe owner Stanislav Zavertailo reported his business destroyed; one customer hospitalized. St. Sophia Cathedral was undamaged.