Ukraine War, Day 1,655: On Eve of Visit by Trump Envoys, Russia Strikes State Security in Kyiv

Emergency services deal with the Russian strike on the headquarters of Ukraine’s State security service SBU, Kyiv, September 4, 2026 (ABC)

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The headquarters, opposite the historic St. Sophia’s Cathedral, was hit around 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack targeted the office of SBU acting head Oleksandr Poklad. The SBU confirmed that the drone struck Poklad’s office, but its chief was not injured.

The service said, “the Russians will receive a painful response to their blows.” Zelensky posted, “I gave Poklad the task of responding to this Russian attack in an appropriate, significant, and — if possible — symmetrical manner once everything is ready.”

This weekend, real estate developer Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are scheduled to visit Kyiv for the first time. The trip will follow their meeting in the Kremlin with Vladimir Putin, their first with the Russian leader since January.

A “person familiar with the matter” said Witkoff had “started to get scared” about the trip to the Ukrainian capital.

The Russians don’t want them to come here to Kyiv, and Witkoff is always sensitive to Russian sentiment. They’re being told there that it’s dangerous.

The Russians have carried out nine straight days of attacks on Kyiv.

Ukraine announced a ceasefire from Saturday until Tuesday to ensure security for the envoys. Zelensky said in his nightly address to the nation.

There will be no airstrikes from our side, and Russia must do the same, ensuring there are no airstrikes from its side for the time needed to hold these talks and handle the logistical matters related to this American visit.