A Russian drone struck a passenger train near Ukraine’s border with Poland, raising fresh concerns in Europe over the escalation of attacks close to NATO territory.
The strike occurred on Sunday, shortly after a diplomatic train carrying former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European diplomats passed through the area.
Germany condemns ‘calculated escalation’
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday described the attack as a “calculated escalation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he said was intended to spread fear across Europe.
Pistorius said European countries must remain calm while making clear that they are capable of defending themselves.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also strongly condemned the strike. Speaking at the European Arctic Summit in Finland, he said the attack was intended to “intimidate and divide Europeans”.
Strikes near Ukraine’s western border
The attack was part of a broader series of Russian strikes near Ukraine’s western borders.
A lorry was also hit on Sunday near the Dorohusk-Yahodyn border crossing, approximately 800 metres from Poland. The incident forced the crossing to suspend operations temporarily.
Moscow identifies military supply routes as targets
Russia’s Defence Ministry said the operations targeted infrastructure used to transport military cargo from Europe to Ukraine.
Kyiv relies heavily on routes through Poland, Romania and Moldova for trade and the delivery of military assistance.
Source: Reuters
