Russian Drone Hits Train Near Ukraine-Poland Border, Diplomatic Train Narrowly Misses

A Russian drone strike targeted a train near the Ukraine-Poland border on Sunday, September 13, 2026, just minutes after a diplomatic train carrying high-profile officials, including former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, had passed through. The incident occurred at Yahodyn station, a critical crossing point, and has raised serious questions about Russia's intentions.

According to Ukraine's state rail operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, the diplomatic train, which also carried security advisers from several European Union states, had purposely departed Yahodyn station ahead of its scheduled time. The officials were en route back from a security conference held in Kyiv.

It is highly probable that the Russian drone's intended target was in fact the diplomatic train, which had departed the station earlier than scheduled,

the company stated in a Telegram post, suggesting a potential assassination attempt or a deliberate act of intimidation against international figures. Carl Bildt shared a video of the aftermath on X, confirming the close call.

"This wasn't our train, but the one just minutes after us by the Polish border crossing," Mr. Bildt wrote, adding that the train was evacuated as the drone approached, and thankfully, no one was hurt thanks to a "very good safety system." He also noted that his own train received an evacuation warning.

Adding another layer of concern, former CIA Director David Petraeus was reportedly on a separate train that was still at Yahodyn station when the drone struck. Despite the intensity of the attack, there were no immediate reports of casualties on any of the trains involved, a testament to the quick actions taken by Ukrainian authorities to adjust schedules and ensure passenger safety.

Boris Johnson voiced his strong condemnation on X, stating,

I don't know what warped logic drove Putin to blow up a stationary Ukrainian locomotive on the Polish border this morning.

He emphasized the broader context of the conflict, adding, "What we can say for sure is that this is the kind of random and senseless attack Ukrainians are enduring every day - even on civilian railways." The incident follows an earlier drone hit on a truck less than a mile from Polish territory, forcing a temporary closure of the Yahodyn-Dorohusk crossing, further escalating tensions near the EU border.

This close call highlights the continuous dangers faced by those traveling in Ukraine, even international dignitaries, and underscores the indiscriminate nature of the ongoing conflict impacting civilian infrastructure and international routes.

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