Paris: France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has accused Russia of attempting to "divide" and "intimidate" its European allies following a drone strike near a train carrying European officials in Ukraine. This incident has further intensified the already strained relations between Russia and Europe.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot made these remarks on the sidelines of the European Arctic Summit in Finland. He emphasized that the attacks aim to "intimidate Europeans, discourage them and, above all, divide them," highlighting the strategic timing of the strikes as they coincided with a major economic support forum in Ukraine. The forum was attended by business representatives and diplomatic officials from around the world, especially Europe.

The incident came to light after German newspaper Der Spiegel reported that a privately chartered train, traveling from Kyiv toward Poland on Sunday, was evacuated following the nearby drone attack. The train was carrying European officials, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, echoed Barrot's sentiments, stating that the attack was a deliberate attempt to scare Western countries away from supporting Ukraine. "It is clearly meant to scare Western countries from supporting Ukraine, from going to Ukraine to show support," Kallas remarked at the European Arctic Summit.

In response to the accusations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented, "If I understand correctly, then we are talking about the territory of Ukraine. Our military is carrying out tasks throughout Ukraine and will continue to do so," indicating Russia's stance on continuing its military operations in the region.