Ukraine steps up measures to protect railways
As Russia increases its attacks on Ukraine's rail infrastructure, the Ukrainian government has called for help to replace destroyed locomotives and is making plans to keep passengers safe.
Recent months have witnessed an increase in Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian railway infrastructure, with over 1,600 incidents reported in the first eight months of 2026, according to Oleh Holovashchenko from Ukrzaliznytsia, the state rail operator. Two notable attacks occurred in September, targeting trains between Kyiv and Mykolaiv and near the Polish border.
Despite the attacks, no injuries were reported due to the earlier evacuation of passengers. The Ukrainian authorities suspect that a diplomatic train carrying former European leaders, including Boris Johnson, was the drone's primary target, but it departed early. Russia has damaged or destroyed more than 500 Ukrainian locomotives since the 2022 invasion, with more than half of these attacks occurring this year.
The Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, attributes this to Putin's strategy of destabilizing Ukraine's logistics system. He urges international partners to impose stricter sanctions and provide financial aid to procure additional locomotives compatible with Ukraine's broad-gauge railway. Vasyl Shevchenko, a former Ukrainian deputy transport minister, explains that a locomotive's thermal signature is large and difficult to miss, making it an attractive target.
A strike on a diesel locomotive can cause a massive fuel explosion, while an electric locomotive fire can paralyze entire stretches of track. Ukraine is negotiating with international partners, including France's Alstom, for new locomotives, which are expected to arrive next year. Meanwhile, repairs are ongoing, and the railway is prioritizing technical soundness over comfort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting to discuss strengthening protection of critical infrastructure and logistics, focusing on contracts for protective systems, expanding electronic warfare, and reorganizing mobile fire teams. Ukrzaliznytsia is developing early detection systems and establishing monitoring centers to track drone and train movements.
Buses are being deployed in high-risk areas, and passengers are receiving instructions on evacuation procedures. The most challenging aspect remains identifying suitable evacuation locations, with train personnel receiving psychological support to aid passengers. In preparation for winter, Ukrzaliznytsia is ensuring trains are heated and working with donors to provide essential supplies for stranded passengers.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
