Archive · 14 Sep 2026
NATO Chief Vows Support After Russian Strikes Near Polish Border
Russian drones struck places in Ukraine near the border with Poland.
One strike hit a train, and another landed near a border crossing.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said the attacks showed Russia was becoming more reckless.
He promised that NATO would keep supporting Ukraine and strengthen its eastern defenses.
Poland also said it would increase security along its border.
Polish officials warned that Russia might expand sabotage or other actions into European countries.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief said the attacks were intended to frighten countries helping Ukraine.
Russia’s spokesman said Russian forces would continue operating across Ukraine.
He also welcomed calls for Ukraine to stop attacking Russian fuel facilities.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Russian drone strikes near Poland would increase support for Ukraine.
Poland announced stronger border security after strikes near Ukraine’s frontier, including attacks close to Polish territory.
A suspected Russian military drone was recovered from the Baltic Sea near Jaroslawiec, Polish officials said.
Polish officials warned that Russia could intensify sabotage and hybrid warfare against European countries supporting Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended Russia’s operations in Ukraine and welcomed calls to halt Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure.
- Who
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Polish officials, European Union diplomat Kaja Kallas, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the strikes.
- What
- Russian drone strikes hit locations near the Ukraine-Poland border, prompting promises of greater NATO support for Ukraine and stronger Polish security.
- When
- The strikes occurred Sunday; NATO and Polish officials made statements Monday.
- Where
- The incidents occurred in Ukraine near the Polish border, with a suspected drone later recovered from the Baltic Sea near Jaroslawiec, Poland.
- Why
- NATO and Polish officials said the attacks could be intended to frighten Ukraine’s supporters and signal an escalation, while Russia said its forces would continue operations across Ukraine.
NATO, Poland, and Ukraine’s Supporters
Russia and Its Official Response
Meaning of the strikes
NATO, Poland, and Ukraine’s Supporters
NATO and Polish officials described the attacks as evidence of Russian desperation, recklessness, and an effort to frighten Western countries supporting Ukraine.
Russia and Its Official Response
The Kremlin did not accept that characterization and said Russian forces were conducting operations across Ukraine and would continue.
Risk to Europe
NATO, Poland, and Ukraine’s Supporters
Polish officials warned that the conflict could spill into European countries through sabotage, hybrid warfare, or actions near NATO borders.
Russia and Its Official Response
Russia’s public response focused on its military operations in Ukraine and did not acknowledge the alleged plans for attacks or sabotage in Europe.
Response to the conflict
NATO, Poland, and Ukraine’s Supporters
NATO and Poland said they would strengthen defenses and continue supporting Ukraine despite the strikes.
Russia and Its Official Response
Peskov welcomed calls for Ukraine to stop striking Russian civilian economic infrastructure and said countries such as China and India could help encourage Kyiv to negotiate.
- NATO position
- Mark Rutte said the alliance would increase support for Ukraine and strengthen defenses along its eastern border.
- Polish response
- Poland pledged increased security along its border with Ukraine and planned consultations with NATO allies.
- Strike locations
- A train near the Ukraine-Poland border and an area near a separate border crossing were hit Sunday.
- Recovered object
- Polish officials said a suspected Russian military drone was recovered from the Baltic Sea near Jaroslawiec.
- European warning
- Polish officials warned of possible sabotage, hybrid warfare, or other actions along NATO’s borders.
- Kremlin response
- Dmitry Peskov said Russian forces were operating across Ukraine and would continue doing so.
- U.S. call
- Donald Trump urged Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries and other diesel-related infrastructure.