A Russian drone strike hit a rail station in Lutsk, near the Poland border, on Saturday. The attack came perilously close to departing foreign visitors, including former CIA director David Petraeus. European officials see it as a jab at Europe, not just Ukraine.

The railway is a lifeline and symbol of Western support. Russia's Defense Ministry said it targeted military cargo routes, but EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said the strike was meant to scare Western countries from supporting Ukraine.

The timing was notable: the drone hit a train close to one ridden by Petraeus and shortly after another carrying former British prime minister Boris Johnson. NATO chief Mark Rutte called it "desperation" from Vladimir Putin and vowed doubled support.

Poland's Donald Tusk said Russia's escalation was "becoming a reality" and would review plans to protect railways. The EU finalized a 90 billion euro support package for Ukraine this year.