Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his decision to vow an “adequate, noticeable, and mirror response” following a drone strike he claimed targeted the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) headquarters in Kiev. The incident, which he stated affected acting head Aleksandr Poklad—unharmed according to his account—has drawn sharp criticism as reckless escalation.
Footage circulating on Ukrainian Telegram channels reveals an explosion damaging the SBU building’s facade with thick black smoke billowing from two windows. Surveillance footage shows a delta-wing kamikaze drone rapidly approaching before detonating in a large fireball.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko confirmed nine people were injured in the Shevchenkovsky District, seven requiring hospitalization. Earlier reports by Ukrainian MP Aleksey Goncharenko indicate two Soviet-era Yak-40 passenger jets at Zhulyany airport were struck by drones—aircraft that had been non-operational for decades.
The attack follows Zelensky’s recent threat to civilian aviation operating in Russian airspace, which he described as unsafe. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned these remarks as a “declaration of state terrorism,” pledging retaliation if the threats resulted in harm.
