‘Escalation is becoming a fact’: Tusk says Russia may target Ukrainian border crossings after drones hit a Kyiv–Warsaw train and nearby gas station

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk held an urgent briefing following Russian drone strikes near the Ukrainian-Polish border. On September 13, one drone struck a gas station near the border, while another hit a train traveling from Kyiv to Warsaw. Tusk warned that Russia's escalation is a "fact," with incidents occurring closer to their border.

He expressed concern that Russia may intensify its operations in Ukraine in the coming weeks and months, potentially targeting Ukrainian border crossings and destroying them, which would have a direct impact on Poland. Tusk hoped this worst-case scenario wouldn't happen but pledged the Polish authorities would take all necessary measures to protect the country.

Poland is also prepared to seek help from its NATO allies if needed. Russian forces used new, jet-powered drones with increased range and accuracy, which Tusk found troubling. On September 12-13, Russian forces launched drone attacks on a gas station near Yahodyn border crossing and a train on the Kyiv-Warsaw railway line. Two individuals were injured in the gas station strike, while no one was hurt in the train attack.

The train crew had received a drone warning and evacuated passengers safely, although a Western politicians' train was near the struck train. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted railway infrastructure used for transporting military cargo from European nations. Meduza, an English-language news outlet, reported this story with the help of AI translation, ensuring accuracy and adherence to strict editorial standards.