Economist Experiences Russia's New Drone Warfare Firsthand on Kyiv Night Train

German economist Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), got a firsthand look at Russia's evolving attack tactics against Ukraine. While traveling on a night train from Kyiv, the train came to an abrupt stop after a Russian drone struck in the immediate vicinity.

A shifting threat

The incident illustrates what is described as a new phase in Russia's aerial war against Ukraine: Moscow is now deploying extremely fast, Chinese-powered jet drones. These drones move at speeds that make them increasingly difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept.

The episode occurred as Ukraine braces for the coming winter, which is expected to be especially difficult for the country and its infrastructure.

Details of the encounter were shared as part of a Politico Europe podcast episode, "Security Update," in which Schularick discussed Russia's new air war. The source material does not specify further details, such as casualties or damage connected to the drone strike near the train.