KYIV, Ukraine: A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service, known as the SBU, in central Kyiv on September 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The attack came as Russia continued its near-daily air strikes on the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv has been under repeated drone attacks for 10 consecutive days, with the latest strike causing heavy smoke to rise over the city center.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least seven people were injured in the attack. It was not immediately known whether any SBU employees were among those hurt.

"The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building," Zelenskyy said.

The strike marked a significant escalation because Ukrainian government buildings have rarely been directly damaged during more than four years of war with Russia. The SBU headquarters is located in a historic part of central Kyiv, close to Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Emergency crews and ambulances were sent to the area after the explosion. The owner of the Zavertailo bakery, located opposite the SBU building, said on Telegram that the bakery building had also been destroyed.

The attack alarmed people in the area. One woman was heard telling someone on the phone that she had briefly gone out to buy cigarettes when the explosion suddenly occurred.

Zelenskyy said he had ordered Ukrainian officials to prepare a strong response against Russia. He indicated that Kyiv would consider carrying out a similar strike against Russian targets if possible.

The latest attack followed another strike on September 2 that hit a university in central Kyiv. The continuing attacks have increased concern among residents, who have been forced to live with frequent explosions and air-raid warnings.

The SBU plays an important role in Ukraine's military campaign against Russia. The agency has carried out several high-profile operations designed to damage Russian military capabilities and critical infrastructure.

Among the operations linked to the SBU was the 2022 bombing of a bridge connecting Russia with occupied Crimea. In 2025, the agency also carried out an operation known as Spiderweb, which used drones to attack Russian strategic bombers.

The SBU has also been widely linked to covert operations targeting senior Russian military and other officials whom Ukraine accuses of involvement in war crimes. Russia has condemned such killings and described them as terrorist attacks.

The latest drone strike therefore carries significance beyond the physical damage caused in Kyiv. The attack targeted one of Ukraine's most important security agencies at a time when Russia is maintaining intense pressure on the capital through repeated air attacks.