Russia Hits Ukrainian Train Shortly After Officials Leave Station
Constantvpn.com – Russia hits Ukrainian train shortly after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior European officials left Yahodyn station in western Ukraine, near the Polish border. A Russian drone damaged a locomotive, but Ukrainian authorities said no one was killed or injured because passengers had been evacuated before the strike.
The attack took place close to Poland, bringing the effects of Russia’s war to the edge of European Union and Nato territory. Ukraine’s state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, said the train had been standing at Yahodyn when it was hit.
Passengers evacuated before the strike
Ukrzaliznytsia said an evacuation order was issued about 15 minutes before the drone struck. The locomotive was damaged, but the removal of passengers prevented casualties.
Johnson had been returning from Kyiv with European officials, including Jonathan Powell, the UK prime minister’s national security adviser. They had attended the Yalta European Strategy conference, which brings together figures from politics, business, security and media.
The railway operator said the train carrying the officials had left earlier than planned after a timetable change linked to concerns over Russian attacks. It said the diplomatic train may have been the intended target, while Russia said it had targeted railway infrastructure in western Ukraine.
“Quite possibly, the target of this drone could have been the diplomatic train.”
Russia hits Ukrainian train shortly after rail journey
Former CIA director David Petraeus was also at Yahodyn station on another train when the attack happened, according to Ukrzaliznytsia.
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, who had also attended the Kyiv conference, described a tense moment during his own journey. Passengers on his train were initially instructed to prepare to leave their carriage before being told that it was safe to continue.
“On the train I was on we received order to prepare evacuation after it had stopped. But after a number of minutes we were informed that it was clear and we could proceed.”
Bildt’s train later arrived safely at Dorohusk, the border station on the Polish side. Some reports suggested he had been travelling with Johnson, although the former British prime minister did not confirm details of his route.
Johnson calls for stronger air defences
Johnson condemned the strike in a message on X, questioning why President Vladimir Putin had ordered the destruction of a stationary Ukrainian locomotive near Poland. He said the incident reflected the daily risks faced by Ukrainians using civilian railway services.
“The kind of random and senseless attack Ukrainians are enduring every day – even on civilian railways.”
He called on Ukraine’s partners to provide the air-defence systems needed to protect the country. Kyiv has repeatedly requested more interceptors, particularly from the United States, as Russia increasingly uses fast ballistic missiles and jet-propelled drones.
Strike near Poland raises pressure on allies
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia hits Ukrainian train shortly after international officials had travelled through the area, showing how close Moscow’s attacks had come to the EU and Nato border. He called for additional sanctions and measures that would increase the cost of the war for Russia.
“Putin needs to understand that his barbarism will be met with decisive action that increases the cost of war for him to an unacceptable level. This is the only way to stop him.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk held an emergency meeting following the strike. He warned that Russian actions were escalating and moving closer to Poland, a Nato member that serves as an important route for international support entering Ukraine.
Rail travel remains essential in Ukraine because civilian flights have been suspended since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The railway network carries passengers, officials, humanitarian movements and supplies across the country and towards neighbouring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the train strike happen?
The drone strike hit a locomotive at Yahodyn in western Ukraine, around 2km from the border with Poland.
Were there any casualties?
No deaths or injuries were reported. Passengers had been evacuated before the locomotive was struck.
Why is Yahodyn important?
Yahodyn is near a major crossing into Poland. Rail links in this area are important for civilian travel, humanitarian movements and international assistance to Ukraine.
Who was travelling through the area?
Boris Johnson, Jonathan Powell and other European figures had travelled on the railway route after attending the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kyiv. David Petraeus and Carl Bildt were also connected to train travel in the area at the time.