A Russian drone struck a passenger train in Ukraine's Volyn region on Sunday, September 13, 2026, roughly two kilometers from the border with Poland. The drone hit the engine carriage near the Yahodyn crossing point. Rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia reported that the engine had been detached and the train evacuated before the strike, and no injuries were reported. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the strike represented a threat to the borders of the European Union and NATO, calling for a full trade embargo and sanctions against Russia.
The strike occurred during a period of increased aerial activity, with Ukraine’s air force reporting 450 Russian drones launched overnight. On the same day, Ukrainian drones targeted industrial sites in Russia. In Tatarstan, regional head Rustam Minnikhanov reported that two people were killed and 14 injured when a drone struck a tree near a parked car in Nizhnekamsk, a city housing oil refineries. Russia's defense ministry reported shooting down 389 Ukrainian drones overnight.
In response to strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking from Ireland, urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop targeting diesel fuel. Trump stated that these attacks were contributing to diesel shortages and affecting U.S. farmers. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is open to restarting peace talks involving the U.S. as early as October. These comments followed recent Moscow and Kyiv visits by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
The drone campaign against Russian refineries has led to fuel rationing within Russia and helped drive U.S. diesel prices to a record average of $5.85 per gallon on September 4, affecting operating costs for American agricultural workers.
The diplomatic landscape remains complex as the parties prepare for potential talks in October. While Jared Kushner identifies territory as the primary point of disagreement, the immediate focus remains on the drone warfare affecting energy markets and border security. Potential next steps include talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. next month, though no firm dates or venues have been finalized. In the interim, both nations continue to trade strikes targeting economic assets.