Russian drone almost hit former CIA director, may have targeted Boris Johnson
Russian drones targeted a train transporting a former CIA director and potentially former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during their journey out of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia also targeted his plane twice in recent weeks. Zelensky characterized these attacks as a Russian strategy to intimidate him and other foreign leaders visiting Ukraine. These incidents signal an escalation in Russian efforts to disrupt diplomatic travel and target high-ranking Western officials within the conflict zone.
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- ✓ President Zelensky stated Russia targeted his plane twice in recent weeks.
- ✓ Zelensky described these incidents as attempts to intimidate him and foreign leaders traveling to Ukraine.
What changed
President Zelensky reported two recent Russian attempts to target his aircraft.
Live updates
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Russian Drones Targeted High-Profile Figures Leaving Ukraine
Russian drones targeted a train transporting a former CIA director and potentially former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during their journey out of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia also targeted his plane twice in recent weeks. Zelensky characterized these attacks as a Russian strategy to intimidate him and other foreign leaders visiting Ukraine. These incidents signal an escalation in Russian efforts to disrupt diplomatic travel and target high-ranking Western officials within the conflict zone.
Why it matters
These attacks occur amid a broader Russian offensive campaign and heightened security concerns in Europe. Poland has responded by reinforcing its border with Ukraine. The targeting of foreign leaders suggests a shift toward more direct intimidation of international supporters.
What is confirmed
- President Zelensky stated Russia targeted his plane twice in recent weeks.
- Zelensky described these incidents as attempts to intimidate him and foreign leaders traveling to Ukraine.
Still unconfirmed
- A Russian drone nearly hit a former CIA director during a train journey out of Ukraine.
- A Russian drone may have targeted Boris Johnson during a train journey out of Ukraine.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation from the CIA or the UK government regarding the drone attack on the train.
- Further reports of targeted attacks on diplomatic transport in Ukraine.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (6)
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 13, 2026
- thehill.com — Russian drone almost hit former CIA director; may have targeted Boris Johnson
- The Washington Post — When drones targeted our train journey out of Ukraine
- CNN — Poland reinforces border with Ukraine amid growing security concerns across Europe
- Foreign Policy — Why My Kyiv Visit Worried Me So Much
- www.kyivpost.com — Zelensky Says Russia Targeted His Plane Twice in Recent Weeks
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