Russian Drone Strikes Train Near Poland-Ukraine Border After Diplomatic Delegation Passes
A Russian drone hit a train engine near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after trains carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European officials passed through. While no casualties were reported on the targeted train, broader overnight attacks across Ukraine killed at least six people and injured more than 40.
A Russian drone struck a train engine near the Poland-Ukraine border at Yahodyn station, occurring shortly after trains carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European security officials had passed through the crossing. Ukrainian authorities suggested that the diplomatic train may have been the intended target.
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt was also on the train that passed through the border crossing just before the strike. Former CIA chief David Petraeus was present at Yahodyn station on another train when the drone impacted. According to Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia), it is likely the diplomatic train was the target, noting that it departed earlier than planned due to real-time schedule reviews for safety. No casualties were reported on the train hit by the drone, as passengers had been evacuated prior to the impact.
The incident occurred amidst a wave of overnight attacks across Ukraine involving over 450 Russian drones and missiles. These broader strikes killed at least six people and injured more than 40. Specifically, three people were killed in the eastern Donetsk region, and one 71-year-old woman was killed in the southern Mykolaiv region.
Russia's defence ministry claimed it struck railway infrastructure used to transport military cargo from Europe. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian military operations would continue across the entire territory of Ukraine.
In response to the escalating threats near NATO borders, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk held an emergency meeting and warned that intensifying Russian attacks could affect Polish territory. Air-raid warnings were issued in Poland, and tensions between Russia and NATO/EU members increased. The disruption has led to calls for further sanctions against Moscow and additional air defense support for Ukraine.