Zelenskyy Blames Russia for Drone Attack on Office of Ukraine Security Service, SBU

Posted originally on the CTH on September 4, 2026 | Sundance |

It is an unfortunate reality that leaders of Ukraine military, intelligence and security services are more concerned with money, affluence, exotic cars and beachfront villas in Europe than functionally carrying out the duty. Alas, that is the nature of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has very little control over it.

A few days ago, a shootout in the capital between rival powers of the Ukraine Intelligence Service (SBU) and Ukraine Military Intelligence (HUR) broke out bringing increased embarrassment to an already tenuous situation {citation}. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise today when an explosive drone that hit the headquarters of SBU security chief Oleksandr Poklad is argued amid Ukraine rank and file to have originated from within.

However, Ukraine President Zelenskyy is quick to point fingers at Russia for the drone that flew in the window of SBU Chief Poklad. I mean, what else could Zelenskyy say and still retain some semblance of face-saving toward the NATO alliance he is dependent on.

Up to this point, Russia has never targeted a specific Ukraine leader for assassination; Zelenskyy’s constant visibility is seemingly confirmation of this lack of interest. But Zelenskyy is certain that Russia tried to kill Oleksandr Poklad. Go figure.

UKRAINE – A Russian drone has hit the headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) during a strike in the heart of Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

The unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the SBU headquarters on Friday afternoon, targeting a room used by security chief Oleksandr Poklad. It is not clear whether Poklad was in the building, but Zelensky said he had since spoken to him to order an “appropriate, tangible response”.

“The drone was aimed directly at the office of the Head of the Security Service in that building,” Zelensky confirmed. It suggests Russia’s new drones are growing in accuracy and signals Moscow could step up strikes before possible US mediation talks this weekend.

“All emergency services are on the scene. Everyone affected will receive the necessary assistance,” Zelensky added in a message on Telegram.

“I instructed Poklad to deliver an appropriate, tangible response and, where possible, one that mirrors this strike, to the Russians once everything is ready. Our military will support this response.” (read more)

It’s worth noting that when allied media favorable to Zelenskyy (like the BBC) start using terms like “Zelenskyy says” in their headlines, as opposed to direct assertions from their own belief, the indications are that even the BBC doesn’t want to carry that much unsubstantiated water.

SSU Head Oleksandr Poklad reported on preparations for our active response to the Russian strikes. The geography of our response has been determined. The timing will be chosen to ensure results. Glory to Ukraine! ~ Zelenskyy

In related news the horse-toothed President of Finland, Alexander Stubb has been positioning himself as the ‘trusted voice’ within Europe who can negotiate a sensible peace between Ukraine and Russia. Stubb has higher aspirations to lead NATO, so the self-interest to raise his profile amid the collective might actually result in some benefit.

President Horse Teeth does speak with pragmatic tones that may be able to navigate away from an EU-NATO war with Russia. However, Canadian Banker/Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is not European despite his professed curriculum vitae, could become jealous and mess up the politically pragmatic approach.

[…] Asked about the warning from the Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr that Putin could be able to attack NATO territory by 2029, Stubb said: “If someone had such a crystal ball – wonderful. But I just don’t see any evidence or facts for it.” He “does not believe that Russia would ever want to attack the most powerful military alliance in the world, NATO.” He explained his philosophy as follows: “I’m not saying, ‘Relax.’ You should always prepare for the worst to prevent it.”

[…] Despite the economic and military problems in Russia, Alexander Stubb does not assume that Vladimir Putin will give up. “I don’t think Russia will end this war because of an economic downturn,” the Finn said. “One should never underestimate how much economic hardship the Russians can endure.” Neither inflation, nor the banking crisis or the interest rate level would end the war – nor would the high losses of Russian soldiers.

[…] Asked about the attempted drone attacks at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Alexander Stubb called for a level-headed reaction: “I think it is very important to keep a cool head when it comes to such things.” In this way, Germany could publicly declare that it knows who is behind it and send Russia a message at the diplomatic level.

[…] Stubb expressly welcomed CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow, which was as surprising as it was mysterious: “I think it’s good. Really. I believe that there must be a dialogue.” It is also true that Americans and Russians are in contact “in different formats”. “I hope that the American military is also in dialogue with the Russian military.”

[…] Stubb demands: “I believe that someone in Europe (…) must resume dialogue with Russia to understand what is going on there. We have to talk to each other at the political level.” His “great concern with this current silence towards Russia is that illusions are emerging there” about what is happening in Europe. In other words, Moscow could accept the emergence of new threats that do not exist in reality. (source – Translated)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has an economic mess on his hands and an election this Sunday that is shaping up to be a big slap in his face. Merz’s pontifications about a looming military conflict against Russia are akin to Canadian Prime Minister Carney shouting ‘Trump won’t let us speak French’ to firm up his own electoral elements.

Bottom line: I hope President Trump invites Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin to the G20 in Miami this year. It would be refreshing if President Trump, Chairman Xi, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salmon and President Putin could enjoy an al fresco moment; while Prime Minister Carney and the Euroweanie collective discuss how to avoid another one of those dangerous gifts from President Erdogan.