A Ukrainian singer survived a Russian drone attack on a train near the Polish border, while a Kyiv residential complex and a building in the city were also struck, according to multiple reports. The incidents highlight escalating cross-border tensions and civilian casualties.
Ukrainian singer Olya Poyakova and her daughter narrowly escaped injury when a Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Polish border on September 13. On the third evacuation, when we ran into the field, a Shahed drone hit the train. We heard it, and we ran quickly.
Drone Attack on Kyiv Residential Complex
The residential complex under Kyiv where TV host Alina Dorotyuk lives was struck by a Russian drone for the second time in two years. According to reports, the drone hit a parking lot, damaging vehicles but sparing the journalist’s car, which she had left elsewhere. Dorotyuk shared photos of the aftermath on Instagram, expressing both relief and grief: Although everyone is alive, it hurts for the people’s property. It hurts from the stress we experience every time during these raids. Every day, strangers but such dear Ukrainians die… This is total unbearable pain.
This marks the second attack on the complex. In 2024, a drone destroyed part of her home, and earlier in the full-scale invasion, Russian forces bombed her apartment in another village. The repeated targeting of the area underscores the ongoing threat to civilians in Kyiv.
Train Attack Near Polish Border
The drone strike on the train occurred near the Yahodyn–Dorohusk border crossing, a critical transit point for Ukrainian refugees and European officials.
Poyakova, who was on the affected train, recounted the incident: We were evacuated three times. On the third evacuation, when we ran into the field, a Shahed drone hit the train. We heard it, and we ran quickly. I was with my younger daughter. Honestly, I was in shock. The attack also caused fires at a gas station and nearby trucks near the border, leading to temporary shutdowns of the crossing. By 10:00 AM, the checkpoint had resumed normal operations.
Kyiv Building Strike and Broader Attacks
Meanwhile, a Russian drone struck a two-story non-residential building in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district on August 30, triggering a fire in a green area of the Dnipro district. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack, noting that the drone hit a non-residential building and caused a fire. This incident is part of a broader pattern of drone attacks on Kyiv, including a previous strike on a residential building on August 29.
On August 29, Russian drones launched 224 attacks across Ukraine, with many targeting Kyiv. In the Sumy region, a drone strike on August 16 killed a 59-year-old man and injured a 50-year-old woman. Another attack in the same area resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man and injuries to a 71-year-old woman, according to local authorities.
Civilian Impact and Ongoing Tensions
The repeated drone attacks have left Ukrainian civilians in a state of heightened anxiety. Poyakova described the emotional toll: It’s painful for the people’s property and the stress we endure during these raids. Every day, strangers but such dear Ukrainians die… This is total unbearable pain. Similar sentiments were expressed by Dorotyuk, who emphasized the psychological impact of living under constant threat.
International observers have raised concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the attacks. The border crossing at Yahodyn–Dorohusk, a vital route for humanitarian aid and evacuations, faced disruptions during the train attack. European officials and diplomats have increasingly relied on this route to access Ukraine, making it a strategic target for Russian forces.
As of September 13, the situation remains volatile. Ukrainian authorities continue to monitor for further attacks, while civilians brace for more uncertainty. The attacks underscore the ongoing brutality of the conflict and the resilience of those caught in the crossfire.
