Russian attack hits central Kyiv ahead of US envoys’ arrival

A Russian drone strike hit the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service in central Kyiv just as two US envoys prepared to travel to Moscow and Kyiv in a new diplomatic push to end the war.

The attack took place near Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous ambulances and emergency-service vehicles were deployed around the scene, according to foreign media reports. It is unusual for Russian attacks to reach government buildings in central Kyiv, particularly in broad daylight.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the SBU to respond with an “appropriate, tangible response.” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the strike “a major escalation.” Russian drones and missiles have attacked Kyiv for about a week, while Ukraine faces a critical shortage of US Patriot air-defense missiles. Many recent Russian strikes have used a new model of jet-powered drone that is difficult to intercept.

“

appropriate, tangible response

Zelenskyy had called on Russia on Friday to halt attacks during the visit by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He said Ukraine would ensure the security of Russian airspace while the two men were in Moscow. The envoys were scheduled to visit Moscow first and then Kyiv the following day, where they would make their first visit as part of the diplomatic effort.

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said he did not want to predict the outcome of the visit. He added that Russia did not currently see conditions for ending the war, although diplomatic activity and contacts were continuing. US President Donald Trump said he was sending Witkoff and Kushner with a proposal to end the war, which has lasted more than four years. The efforts have stalled in recent months after US attention shifted toward the war with Iran.

“

a major escalation