Russian Drone Strikes Ukraine Security Service Headquarters Amid U.S. Diplomatic Talks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's security service in central Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Friday, ahead of diplomatic talks with U.S. officials regarding the ongoing war. The air conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified as the situation approaches five years since Moscow's invasion. Recently, Russia has been employing fast-flying, jet-powered drones, and air-raid sirens have become a regular occurrence in Kyiv. Twelve individuals were reported injured in the attack, according to local authorities. Zelenskyy noted that the drone was specifically aimed at the head of the SBU's office in that location. Acting security chief Oleksandr Poklad briefed Zelenskyy on a response that may include potential targets. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the drone strike as a "major escalation" occurring as peace talks were gaining momentum, stating that it highlights Moscow's rejection of diplomacy. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to visit Moscow and then Kyiv over the weekend and into early next week, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity. This visit will be their first to Kyiv. Zelenskyy indicated that he expects Witkoff and Kushner to arrive in Kyiv on Sunday after their Moscow visit. He mentioned that Ukraine would refrain from airstrikes during the negotiations and urged Russia to reciprocate to ensure the talks can proceed safely. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm the reports of Kushner and Witkoff's visit to Moscow, stating that the media would be informed if such a meeting occurs. Kushner and Witkoff last visited Moscow in January, where they met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following that meeting, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov described the discussions as constructive but noted that a long-term settlement could not be expected without addressing the territorial issue. Recent diplomatic efforts have lost momentum, with the White House focusing on its conflict with Iran. Concurrently, a significant overnight Russian attack on the Odesa region resulted in one death and at least five injuries, including a child, as reported by regional head Oleh Kiper. The attacks damaged several residential buildings, including two multistory blocks. Other overnight strikes in Ukraine resulted in the deaths of two police officers in Dnipro, while a drone attack in Kyiv injured three individuals after hitting a residential building. Russian forces have consistently targeted civilian areas, with attacks now occurring during the day as well as at night. The front line in eastern and southern Ukraine remains largely stagnant. In Russia, a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike impacted the Black Sea resort city of Sochi and the nearby district of Sirius, according to regional officials. They reported that the attack ignited a fire at an oil depot but provided no further details. Russian media outlets indicated that two depots were affected, with one fire in Sochi and another in Sirius. Ukraine has frequently targeted oil facilities that are crucial to Russia's economy, which is one of the largest energy producers globally. Increased economic pressure and public discontent have grown in Russia following months of intensified Ukrainian strikes on refineries and e-commerce hubs, leading to nationwide disruptions. In response, Putin decreed last month that the state could temporarily seize control of critical infrastructure facilities if private owners fail to secure them from Ukrainian drone attacks or do not repair them after strikes. Analysts suggest this move aims to compel companies to invest in their own security and restore damaged assets, despite the associated costs. Finnish authorities are investigating how a Russian-made drone ended up on a rocky shoreline in the Pellinge archipelago, east of Helsinki. Finland's Border Guard reported that a Geoscan 701 drone, manufactured by a Russian company, was discovered on the shore. They stated that the device model is used by both state and civilian operators, and it is currently unclear what its intended use was or which country or entity operated it. The drone was found by a fisherman on Tuesday. Geoscan claims to be one of Russia's leading drone manufacturers, stating that the 701 model is designed for large-scale aerial surveying.