
Ukraine is facing an intense, coordinated assault as Russia executes a dual-front offensive designed to bleed the country from above and break it on the ground. In Kyiv, missiles and drones attacks continue, straining domestic air defences.  
Moscow claims that nearly 1,700 Ukrainian troops are cut off and encircled in the Kharkiv region, an assertion Ukrainian military commanders deny, pointing to sharp tactical counter-attacks repelling Russian ground units. 

Putin's Strategy: Bleed Ukraine in the Sky, Break It on the Ground| GRAVITAS 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Sep 4) said that a Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s powerful SBU security service in central Kyiv, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting the office of the agency’s acting chief. The strike hit the building on Volodymyrska Street, opposite the historic St Sophia Cathedral, marking the first reported attack on the SBU headquarters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.“Unfortunately, a Russian drone hit the central building of the SBU on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, opposite the St. Sophia Cathedral,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “The drone was aimed directly at the office of the head of the security service in that building.”Acting SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad was not near the building when the attack occurred and was unharmed, according to Ukrainian officials. The SBU said the headquarters would “certainly be restored”.<h2>Kyiv vows retaliation</h2>Zelensky said he had spoken with Poklad after the strike and instructed the security agency to prepare an “appropriate, tangible response”. He said Ukrainian authorities had already identified potential targets for retaliation, although the timing had yet to be decided.“The areas to be targeted have been identified. The timing will be chosen to ensure a successful outcome,” Zelensky said.Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga described the strike as a “major escalation”. Russia had not immediately commented on the Ukrainian claims.Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 12 people were wounded in the attack. Images published by Ukrainska Pravda showed dark smoke emerging from windows of the SBU building, while emergency vehicles gathered outside.<h2>Strike comes before Witkoff, Kushner visit</h2>The attack came just two days before US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to visit Kyiv, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The visit would be the pair’s first to the Ukrainian capital.The strike also comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine’s SBU and military intelligence agency GUR. A gunfight involving members of the two agencies erupted in Kyiv earlier this week, prompting Zelensky to call the incident “completely unacceptable”.The SBU has played a prominent role in operations against Russia, including attacks targeting Russian military and security infrastructure. Moscow has intensified daytime drone strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, including the use of faster jet-powered drones that are more difficult for Ukrainian air defences to intercept.US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war have struggled to make progress, while Washington has increasingly focused attention on the conflict with Iran.

Zelensky accused Russia of directly targeting the SBU chief’s office in Kyiv with a drone strike, calling for a “tangible response” as officials described the attack as a major escalation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Sep 4) said that a Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s powerful SBU security service in central Kyiv, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting the office of the agency’s acting chief. The strike hit the building on Volodymyrska Street, opposite the historic St Sophia Cathedral, marking the first reported attack on the SBU headquarters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. “Unfortunately, a Russian drone hit the central building of the SBU on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, opposite the St. Sophia Cathedral,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “The drone was aimed directly at the office of the head of the security service in that building.” Acting SBU chief Oleksandr Poklad was not near the building when the attack occurred and was unharmed, according to Ukrainian officials. The SBU said the headquarters would “certainly be restored”. Kyiv vows retaliation Zelensky said he had spoken with Poklad after the strike and instructed the security agency to prepare an “appropriate, tangible response”. He said Ukrainian authorities had already identified potential targets for retaliation, although the timing had yet to be decided. “The areas to be targeted have been identified. The timing will be chosen to ensure a successful outcome,” Zelensky said. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga described the strike as a “major escalation”. Russia had not immediately commented on the Ukrainian claims. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 12 people were wounded in the attack. Images published by Ukrainska Pravda showed dark smoke emerging from windows of the SBU building, while emergency vehicles gathered outside. Strike comes before Witkoff, Kushner visit The attack came just two days before US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to visit Kyiv, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The visit would be the pair’s first to the Ukrainian capital. The strike also comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine’s SBU and military intelligence agency GUR. A gunfight involving members of the two agencies erupted in Kyiv earlier this week, prompting Zelensky to call the incident “completely unacceptable”. The SBU has played a prominent role in operations against Russia, including attacks targeting Russian military and security infrastructure. Moscow has intensified daytime drone strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, including the use of faster jet-powered drones that are more difficult for Ukrainian air defences to intercept. US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war have struggled to make progress, while Washington has increasingly focused attention on the conflict with Iran.

Zelensky accused Russia of directly targeting the SBU chief’s office in Kyiv with a drone strike, calling for a “tangible response” as officials described the attack as a major escalation.

‘Major escalation’: Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting SBU chief’s office

Russia has launched another major wave of drone attacks across Ukraine, with strikes reported in the Kyiv region, Zaporizhzhia and other areas as the Kremlin's aerial campaign intensifies.

In the Kyiv region, Ukrainian authorities reported casualties and extensive damage to warehouses, homes, apartment buildings and vehicles. One warehouse worker said two Shahed drones struck the facility, with a second drone reportedly hitting after emergency crews arrived. Ukrainian officials described the incident as a possible double-tap attack targeting first responders.

Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Kyiv as authorities warned residents about worsening air quality following the attacks.

In Zaporizhzhia, Russian drones reportedly struck a major shopping and home-improvement complex, triggering a massive fire that spread across thousands of square meters. Several people were reportedly injured, while rescue operations faced the threat of further attacks.

The latest strikes are part of a wider Russian campaign targeting Ukrainian logistics, warehouses, distribution facilities and other infrastructure.

On the eastern front, Ukrainian forces say Russian troops are positioned just several kilometres away from key defensive areas around the Donbas fortress belt, increasing pressure on the battlefield.

Russia has also claimed that its air defenses intercepted or destroyed 512 Ukrainian drones across multiple Russian regions, Crimea and the Black Sea. Russian-installed authorities in Sevastopol also reported damage to a residential building and injuries.

Russia-Ukraine War | Massive Russian Drone Wave Hits Kyiv | Double-Tap Attack Reported

Russia hit "critical infrastructure" in Kyiv and private houses near the region early Monday, Ukrainian authorities said. They also informed&nbsp;that air defence systems destroyed about 18 drones that were directed at the capital. Twenty-three drones were directed towards Kyiv, the military administration said on the Telegram messaging app.

"During the air alert, 23 enemy UAVs were recorded in the sky above the capital. Air defence destroyed 18 drones," the Kyiv city military administration said on social media.&nbsp;

Governor Oleksiy Kuleba said said the drone attack has caused "fairly serious" damage in the region and three areas in the region have been left without power supply.

Earlier, officials said that Russia had attacked the capital with Shahed drones.

"Air alert continues in Kyiv," the administration said. "The enemy is attacking the capital with 'Shahed' barrage ammunition. Air defence is being at work."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-explosions-reported-from-kyiv-following-drone-attack-says-mayor-542893">Ukraine air defence shot down Iran-made 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky</a>

Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that as of now no deaths or injuries from the attack have been reported. The medics are working at the sites of the strikes in the Solomyanskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts of the capital.

"As a result of the attack on the capital, critical infrastructure facilities were damaged," Vitali Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app.

"Energy and heating engineers are working to quickly stabilize the situation with energy and heat supply."

The Solomyanskyi district in the western part of Kyiv is a busy transport hub. It houses a train station and one of the city's two passenger airports.

Earlier, several loud blasts were heard in Kyiv and the surrounding region. Oleksiy Kuleba, governor of the Kyiv region, had said that the region was under a drone attack.

Reuters&nbsp;reported a witness as saying that there was a fire as a result of the attack in Kyiv's often targeted&nbsp;Shevchenkivskyi district.

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Air raid sirens could be heard most of the night into Monday in Kyiv and the region around it, with fresh alerts declared at 5:25 am&nbsp;local time.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that the country's air defence systems had shot down 13 Iranian-made kamikaze drones that targeted the capital Kyiv.&nbsp;

Two administrative buildings are also reported to have been damaged in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia hit "critical infrastructure" in Kyiv and private houses near the region early Monday, Ukrainian authorities said. They also informed that air defence systems destroyed about 18 drones that were directed at the capital.

Russia hit "critical infrastructure" in Kyiv and private houses near the region early Monday, Ukrainian authorities said. They also informed that air defence systems destroyed about 18 drones that were directed at the capital. Twenty-three drones were directed towards Kyiv, the military administration said on the Telegram messaging app. "During the air alert, 23 enemy UAVs were recorded in the sky above the capital. Air defence destroyed 18 drones," the Kyiv city military administration said on social media. Governor Oleksiy Kuleba said said the drone attack has caused "fairly serious" damage in the region and three areas in the region have been left without power supply. Earlier, officials said that Russia had attacked the capital with Shahed drones. "Air alert continues in Kyiv," the administration said. "The enemy is attacking the capital with 'Shahed' barrage ammunition. Air defence is being at work." Also Read | Ukraine air defence shot down Iran-made 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that as of now no deaths or injuries from the attack have been reported. The medics are working at the sites of the strikes in the Solomyanskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts of the capital. "As a result of the attack on the capital, critical infrastructure facilities were damaged," Vitali Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app. "Energy and heating engineers are working to quickly stabilize the situation with energy and heat supply." The Solomyanskyi district in the western part of Kyiv is a busy transport hub. It houses a train station and one of the city's two passenger airports. Earlier, several loud blasts were heard in Kyiv and the surrounding region. Oleksiy Kuleba, governor of the Kyiv region, had said that the region was under a drone attack. Reuters reported a witness as saying that there was a fire as a result of the attack in Kyiv's often targeted Shevchenkivskyi district. × Air raid sirens could be heard most of the night into Monday in Kyiv and the region around it, with fresh alerts declared at 5:25 am local time. On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that the country's air defence systems had shot down 13 Iranian-made kamikaze drones that targeted the capital Kyiv. Two administrative buildings are also reported to have been damaged in the attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian drone attack hits 'critical infrastructure' in Kyiv, causes 'fairly serious' damage

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the country's air defence systems had shot down 13 Iranian-made kamikaze drones that targeted the capital Kyiv earlier in the day.

Russia "started this morning with 13 Shaheds... all 13 were shot down by our Ukrainian air defence systems," Zelensky said in a video address on social media. Moscow has been accused of deploying Iranian-made suicide drones against Ukraine targets.

Earlier, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko had&nbsp;said&nbsp;that explosions were heard in a central neighbourhood of the capital city on Wednesday morning.

"Explosions in the Shevchenkivsky district of the capital. (Emergency) services are on their way," Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app.

He has said that air defence shot down 10 Iranian-made "Shahed drones" over Kyiv and the nearby region.

"In the Kyiv region and over the capital, air defence forces shot down a total of 10 Shahed drones," he wrote. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-strikes-hit-russian-occupied-regions-two-killed-and-several-injured-542055">Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured</a>

Two administrative buildings are also reported to have been damaged in the attack.

The governor of Zhytomyr, an area near&nbsp;Kyiv, warned of the possibility of a second wave of drone attacks.

In a message posted on Telegram, Vitaliy Bunechko said, "Air danger continues. A second wave of drone attacks is possible. Stay in shelters."

MP Oleksiy Goncharenko informed that three explosions are believed to have struck Kyiv this morning. Emergency services were dispatched to the affected areas.&nbsp;

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At 6:30, three explosions were already heard in Kyiv. 
 
Ukrainians wake up not from alarm clocks, but from explosions. Thanks to neighboring Russia! Good morning!
— Oleksiy Goncharenko (@GoncharenkoUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoncharenkoUa/status/1602885249536507904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the country's air defence systems had shot down 13 Iranian-made kamikaze drones that targeted the capital Kyiv earlier in the day. Russia "started this morning with 13 Shaheds... all 13 were shot down by our Ukrainian air defence systems," Zelensky said in a video address on social media. Moscow has been accused of deploying Iranian-made suicide drones against Ukraine targets. Earlier, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko had said that explosions were heard in a central neighbourhood of the capital city on Wednesday morning. "Explosions in the Shevchenkivsky district of the capital. (Emergency) services are on their way," Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app. He has said that air defence shot down 10 Iranian-made "Shahed drones" over Kyiv and the nearby region. "In the Kyiv region and over the capital, air defence forces shot down a total of 10 Shahed drones," he wrote. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured Two administrative buildings are also reported to have been damaged in the attack. The governor of Zhytomyr, an area near Kyiv, warned of the possibility of a second wave of drone attacks. In a message posted on Telegram, Vitaliy Bunechko said, "Air danger continues. A second wave of drone attacks is possible. Stay in shelters." MP Oleksiy Goncharenko informed that three explosions are believed to have struck Kyiv this morning. Emergency services were dispatched to the affected areas. At 6:30, three explosions were already heard in Kyiv. Ukrainians wake up not from alarm clocks, but from explosions. Thanks to neighboring Russia! Good morning! — Oleksiy Goncharenko (@GoncharenkoUa) December 14, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine air defence shot down Iran-made 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky