Russian strikes kill at least 3 in Ukraine ahead of expected U.S. peace talks

A Russian drone targeted the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) headquarters near St. Sophia's Cathedral in central Kyiv on September 4, causing at least seven injuries, local authorities reported. An air raid warning was issued in the city around 3 p.m. local time, followed by explosions in the city center roughly half an hour later.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack damaged a non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district, but did not provide further specifics. President Volodymyr Zelensky informed SBU acting head Oleksandr Poklad that he would take measures in response to the Russian assault. Zelensky stated he had given Poklad the task of responding to the Russian attack in an appropriate, significant, and - if possible - symmetrical manner once everything was ready.

Seven individuals were injured in the attack, with six of them hospitalized as of 4:30 p.m. local time, according to Klitschko. The Russian drone also caused damage to the Zavertailo restaurant, situated near the SBU building, according to the restaurant's owner, Stanislav Zavertailo, who shared the news on Telegram. Zavertailo reported that one restaurant guest was injured and hospitalized during the strike.

The restaurant's patrons had taken shelter in the building's basement during the attack, he added. While people were safe and unharmed, they were reportedly in shock and would require further examination, Zavertailo stated.