Russian strike near Polish border raises concern across Europe

The Kremlin has said Russia will continue striking targets across the “whole” of Ukraine, after a reported attack hit a railway locomotive near the country’s border with Poland.

According to France 24, the locomotive was struck inside Ukraine, about two kilometres from the Polish border. The supplied material does not establish the weapon used, the extent of damage, casualties or the locomotive’s operational impact.

The incident has rattled Poland and its European allies. Poland is a NATO member, making the reported location a point of concern even though the material does not say Polish territory was attacked.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas assessed that reported Russian strikes near the border were intended to frighten or deter Western supporters of Ukraine. That assessment remains a stated interpretation of the strikes’ purpose.

The Kremlin’s statement came as questions were raised about the reported attack and its proximity to Poland. The available account does not independently confirm whether the locomotive was part of a passenger train.