Russia Tries To Assassinate Ukraine's SBU Chief With Unprecedented Drone Attack On Kyiv HQ
The Kremlin has long previewed that its next escalation step against Ukraine would be to start attacking 'decision-making centers', or headquarters and government buildings. That moment has clearly begun and is now in an active phase, also as strikes ramp up on the key southern port of Odesa, as well as on Ukraine-linked cargo and other shipping. On Friday a Russian drone slammed into the headquarters of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in central Kyiv.
The SBU is the country's top domestic security and intelligence service - somewhat akin to the FBI in America. It primarily oversees counterintelligence, counterterrorism, espionage investigations, as well as engages in some law-enforcement functions, especially concerning top level crime including among government officials. It has been the mastermind behind multiple high-level deadly and destructive attacks on Russia.
President Zelensky soon after the attack announced and confirmed that the SBU's central building on Volodymyrska Street, in the heart of iconic downtown near St. Sophia Cathedral, was struck. Flames and smoke have been seen billowing high over the high-secure central district.
"I spoke with the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Oleksandr Poklad. Unfortunately, a Russian drone struck the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, across from St. Sophia Cathedral," Zelensky said.
"The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building," he added. Zelensky has ordered his military to mount a "tangible response and, where possible, one that mirrors this strike, to the Russians once everything is ready. Our military will support this response."
If accurate, this sends an alarming and resounding message - that not only is Moscow now willing to directly target top headquarters buildings, but that it's ready to assassinate intelligence directors.
President Zelensky said the drone had precisely targeted the office of the head of the SBU service, Oleksandr Poklad, but he had survived the attack —The Times
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russia-tries-assassinate-ukraines-sbu-chief-unprecedented-drone-attack-kyiv-hq