Pressure on NATO and weakening support for Ukraine: what is behind Russian strikes on the border with Poland

Russia is stepping up strikes on Ukrainian border infrastructure and drone provocations near NATO airspace, in an attempt to pressure the Alliance and weaken its support for Ukraine.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts have drawn attention to the September 13 attack on a train locomotive near the Yagodyn checkpoint on the border with Poland. That day, European officials who were participating in the YES conference were returning from Kyiv via this route.

Passengers included German foreign policy adviser Günther Sautter, Bundestag member Robin Wagener and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The train was evacuated about 15 minutes before the drone hit the locomotive.

It is noted that these circumstances may indicate a possible attack specifically on European officials.

Analysts also recalled that since August 2026, Russia has attacked 4 border crossings between Ukraine and Moldova. In addition, on September 8, a Russian drone almost hit President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plane as it was preparing to depart from Chisinau.

ISW called on NATO to review its approaches to airspace protection. Among the proposed measures are the ability to destroy Russian targets over Ukrainian territory and accelerating the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense.

Recall that Russia attacked a railway line near the Ukrainian border with Poland , which was carrying a special train with European officials. On board were former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , advisers to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, members of the Bundestag, and European diplomats.

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