Ukraine Claims Drone Strikes on Russian FSB Headquarters and Drone Training Facility in Occupied Territories

On May 20-21, 2026, Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck two Russian-controlled sites in occupied Ukraine. In Henicheska Hirka, Kherson region, a drone hit the headquarters of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and destroyed a Pantsir-S1 air-defence system, with Ukrainian officials estimating about 100 Russian personnel killed or wounded. The following night, drones targeted a Russian drone-pilot training camp in the occupied town of Snizhne, killing at least 65 cadets and an instructor.

CNNUkraine Wipes Out Russian FSB HQ in Occupied Kherson, Zelensky SaysMirror - UKUkrainian forces strike Russian ammo depots, air defenses, command posts, and troops

The strikes are part of Kyiv’s recent shift to mid-range drone operations aimed at Russian logistics, training and security infrastructure in occupied territories. The Kherson attack was credited to the Security Service’s (SBU) Center for Special Operations “A”, while the Snizhne raid was described by Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert Brovdi. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced both operations; the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Russian Defense Ministry are the primary Russian entities implicated.

CNN

Ukrainian estimates place Russian casualties at roughly 100 personnel in Kherson and at least 66 cadets and instructors in Snizhne. The Pantsir-S1 air-defence system was reported destroyed, and the Snizhne complex—about 2,484 m²—contained drones, explosives and a command post. Russian officials claim to have intercepted 121 Ukrainian drones during the same period, highlighting a contested air-space environment.

CNN

President Zelensky said the FSB headquarters and the Pantsir-S1 were successfully hit, calling the operation a blow to Russian occupiers and warning of further strikes if peace talks stall. He added that Ukraine would continue its medium-and-long-range strike operations. Russian authorities have not confirmed the attacks; the Defense Ministry reported downing 121 drones, noted front-line gains, and announced a nuclear-munitions exercise in Belarus.

CNN

Telegram and social-media posts released by Ukrainian officials show footage of a building ablaze in Snizhne and explosions over a multi-storey structure in Henicheska Hirka. Independent geolocation linked the Snizhne video to the known location of the drone-pilot academy. No independent verification of casualty figures or of damage to the FSB headquarters has been provided, and Russian sources have neither confirmed nor denied the strikes.

CNN

• “A headquarters of Russian FSB officers was hit, and a Pantsir-S1 air defense system was destroyed on our temporarily occupied territory,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

Ukraine Wipes Out Russian FSB HQ in Occupied Kherson, Zelensky Says

• “Thanks to this operation alone, Russian losses amount to around 100 occupiers killed and wounded. The Russians must feel that they have to end this war of theirs.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

Mirror - UK

• “Robert Brovdi, the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, claimed the drone academy strike targeted a 2,484-square-meter complex, which housed drones and explosives as well as a command post.” — Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces

CNN

Ukrainian officials say further mid-range drone operations are planned as diplomatic negotiations continue. Russian statements about heightened air-defence readiness and a nuclear-munitions exercise in Belarus suggest a potential escalation in both kinetic and strategic dimensions.

CNN