Russian drone strike near Ukraine-Poland border hits train shortly after Boris Johnson and European officials departure
A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European security officials passed through. No casualties were reported, as Ukrainian authorities indicated all passengers had been evacuated prior to the incident.
Escalating tensions
The drone hit the train’s engine at Yahodyn, with Russia claiming it targeted “railway infrastructure.”
Ukraine’s railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, suggested the drone may have aimed for the diplomatic train.
A statement suggested the train left earlier due to timetable changes amid ongoing Russian threats.
An evacuation was ordered just 15 minutes before the strike, caused by a Russian jet-propelled drone.
Former CIA chief David Petraeus was aboard another train at Yahodyn during the drone strike.
The drone hit approximately 2km from the Polish border, according to Ukrainian and Polish authorities.
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt reported receiving an evacuation order on his train, which later continued to its destination safely.
Johnson condemned the strike as senseless and urged Western allies to provide Ukraine with necessary air defences.
Ukrainian officials reiterated calls for increased military support to counter Russian attacks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strikes as a direct threat to the EU and NATO.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation.
BIG: Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Merz’s top security adviser, and security advisers from UK, France, and Italy were all on a chartered night train from Kyiv when a Russian drone hit the locomotive of a passenger train on the same route near the Polish border.
Their train… pic.twitter.com/PtJRqVAvPr
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 13, 2026
Western responses
Russia’s actions have raised concerns about increased targeting of transportation infrastructure.
Recent drone strikes in Ukraine have resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to the railway network.
European nations have reported suspicious incidents attributed to Russia within their borders.
Germany recently accused Russia of involvement in an attack on Leipzig’s airport, a claim Moscow denied.
Allegations of arson at defence facilities across Europe have also emerged, with several nations holding Russia responsible.
