The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has denounced this Friday a Russian drone attack against the headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kiev, an event for which no official casualty balance has been provided so far.
In a message disseminated on social media, the leader confirmed that a Russian drone struck the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine, "in front of the Saint Sophia Cathedral."
"All emergency services are on the scene. All those affected will receive the necessary assistance. The drone was directed straight at the office of the head of the Security Service in that building," Zelensky pointed out, referring to the top official of the agency, Oleksandr Poklad, with whom he had a phone conversation after the attack.
The head of the Ukrainian state has announced reprisals and indicated that Poklad has instructions to give "an appropriate and tangible response to the Russians." He also added that, "as much as possible, one that replicates this attack," hinting at a reciprocal action.
Shortly after, Zelensky communicated that he has met with the head of the Security Service of Ukraine to address the preparations for the "active response" to the Russian attacks against the center of the capital.
"The geography of our response has been determined. The timing will be chosen to ensure results," emphasized the Ukrainian president.
Accusations of Russian escalation in the war
In the same vein, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andri Sibiga, has warned that the attack constitutes a "major escalation" of the conflict that "demands resolute responses."
"Moscow launches this attack during a renewed push for peace, which exposes its true rejection of diplomacy," stressed the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, who has urged international partners to "unequivocally condemn these actions" and to intensify pressure on Moscow.
The authorities in Kiev have been alerting to an increase in military intensity in the war, with Russia's declared objective of preserving what it considers an advantageous position before sitting down to negotiate the end of hostilities. At the same time, Ukrainian forces have increased their drone attacks in recent weeks, seeking to make the impact of the conflict felt also on Russian territory.