NATO pledges more Ukraine support after border drone strikes

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte pledged increased support for Ukraine on Monday, September 14, 2026, following Russian drone strikes near the Poland-Ukraine border that he described as a sign of President Vladimir Putin's desperation and desire to sow fear. The strikes, which occurred on Sunday, September 13, hit a train near the Yahodyn-Dorohusk crossing and a second location close to another border point, bringing the war unusually close to NATO territory. Rutte, speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, stated that the alliance would not be deterred from backing Kyiv and would bolster its defenses along the eastern border. "The strikes yesterday on trains in Ukraine close to NATO territory again show Putin's desperation and also his desire to sow fear and terror," Rutte said. "Russia is growing increasingly reckless as it continues its terrible war against Ukraine." The strikes on the train came minutes after a diplomatic delegation that included former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt had passed through the station, according to Ukraine's state rail operator.