BRUSSELS: Europe must demonstrate that Russian attacks will not weaken its support for Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a Russian drone struck a passenger train near Ukraine’s border with Poland.
Ukrainian Railways said an earlier train carrying former British prime minister Boris Johnson, former CIA director David Petraeus and former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt had crossed the area shortly before the strike. The operator said the train, which departed ahead of schedule, may have been the intended target.
Kallas described the attack as a clear message to the West and urged Europe to respond by strengthening its commitment to Ukraine.
European Officials Say Strike Sought to Intimidate West
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the attacks aimed to intimidate Europeans, discourage their support and create divisions.
Meanwhile, Kallas’s spokesperson condemned the strike and highlighted the EU’s recent approval of a €6.1 billion tranche from its €90 billion loan package for Ukraine.
Overnight Russian attacks involving more than 450 drones and missiles killed at least six people and injured more than 40 across Ukraine.
Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 405 drones and four missiles.
Western Ukraine Hit as EU Discusses Russia Sanctions
Western Ukraine, normally less exposed than Kyiv and eastern frontline regions, suffered particularly heavy attacks. The strikes also triggered air raid warnings in neighbouring Poland.
Moreover, EU diplomats met in Brussels on Monday to discuss extending sanctions against more than 2,600 Russian individuals and entities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country was fighting daily to prevent Russian aggression from spreading deeper into Europe.
However, Ukrainian authorities did not provide evidence establishing that the diplomatic delegation was deliberately targeted.
