Europe must demonstrate it will not be deterred from supporting Ukraine, according to the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas. Her comments follow a Russian drone strike on a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border, which occurred shortly after a convoy of high-level diplomats and former leaders had passed through.
Ukrainian Railways indicated that an earlier train, carrying former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former CIA chief David Petraeus, may have been the intended target of the Russian drone strike. This train was reportedly running ahead of schedule.
Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign and security policy, stated that the strike "was clearly a message to the western world." Speaking at an Arctic conference in Finland, she urged a response that shows unwavering support for Ukraine, to prevent Russia from achieving its goal of "submission of Ukraine."
European leaders condemned the attacks on Monday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot suggested the strikes aimed "to intimidate Europeans, discourage and above all divide them." A spokesperson for Kallas reiterated strong condemnation of the strikes and referenced a recent EU decision to approve a €6.1bn tranche of a €90bn loan for Ukraine.
Overnight attacks across Ukraine involved more than 450 Russian drones and missiles, resulting in at least six fatalities and over 40 injuries. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting 405 drones and four missiles. Western Ukraine, typically less affected, was particularly hard hit.
The strikes prompted air raid warnings in Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on Sunday that intensifying Russian attacks in Ukraine could affect Poland in the coming weeks and months. He stated that Poland had received intelligence indicating such an attack was likely, with a Russian plan to disrupt or destroy Ukrainian border crossings.