In a targeted attack early Friday morning, drones struck the Regional State Administration building in Ukraine’s Sumy region, causing serious structural damage and injuring one person. Authorities report that the strike was carried out by Russian-operated UAVs, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Drones Strike Regional Administration Building in Sumy Region

Sumy Region, Ukraine – July 26, 2025 — In another bold act of aggression, Russian-operated drones targeted the building of the Regional State Administration in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region early Friday morning. The strike caused significant structural damage and injured at least one staff member, according to local officials.

The attack, which occurred around 4:00 a.m., involved multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) believed to be of the Shahed-type — Iranian-made drones frequently used by Russian forces in recent months. The drones struck the administrative building directly, damaging several floors and sparking a fire that was later extinguished by emergency responders.

Sumy Regional Military Administration head Volodymyr Artyukh confirmed the incident in an official briefing: “Enemy drones attacked the heart of our regional government in the early hours. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the fire has been localized. One person sustained injuries and is receiving medical care.”

The targeted building, located in the regional capital of Sumy, houses various government offices, including departments involved in civil defense and humanitarian response. Video footage shared by local media shows a partially collapsed roof, shattered windows, and blackened walls — evidence of the impact's intensity.

This strike represents a significant escalation in the use of drones against administrative and civil infrastructure, a tactic increasingly used by Russian forces to disrupt governance and spread fear among the civilian population.

Although the exact number and type of drones used are still under investigation, preliminary assessments suggest a coordinated attack. Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept several UAVs before impact, but at least one breached defenses and struck the target directly.

“Russia is clearly trying to undermine our institutions by attacking leadership centers,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in a statement on social media. “Such actions will not go unanswered. Our response will be strong and measured.”

The Sumy region, which borders Russia, has frequently come under threat since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. While front-line battles have shifted further east and south, areas like Sumy remain vulnerable to drone strikes, shelling, and sabotage operations.

Security has been heightened across the region in the wake of the attack. Government employees have been advised to work remotely where possible, and additional anti-drone defenses are being deployed around key administrative and energy infrastructure.

In recent months, Ukraine has appealed to international partners for more advanced air defense systems, specifically to counter the growing drone threat. The use of UAVs — particularly loitering munitions — has dramatically increased, often targeting energy grids, civilian infrastructure, and now government institutions.

The injured staff member, whose identity has not been disclosed, is in stable condition. Authorities say there were few people in the building at the time, likely minimizing casualties.

As investigations continue, Ukrainian officials are calling for international condemnation of the strike and further sanctions against Russia for its continued attacks on civilian and governmental infrastructure.

“This is not just an attack on a building,” said Artyukh. “It’s an attack on our sovereignty, our institutions, and our right to govern ourselves in peace.”