In recent weeks, targeted attacks on Ukraine's railway infrastructure, a key supply and evacuation system during the war, have increased significantly. In September, the number of attacks was about twice as high as in August, according to Ukrzaliznytsia representatives. Frequent attacks are targeting both rolling stock and elements of the network that ensures the operation of trains.
One of the tragic episodes was the destruction of a train at the station in Shostka (Sumy region) in early October: 13 people were injured, one man was pronounced dead from a heart attack, and three children were hospitalized. The Ukrainian side believes that the attacks were aimed at civilians and rescue services, which may have signs of a war crime.
Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Balesta, who oversees the railway sector, states that about half of all attacks since the start of the full-scale aggression have occurred in the last two months. According to him, the enemy is deliberately “hunting for locomotives,” striking freight and passenger trains in order to disrupt supply chains.
The services also receive reports of discovered mines on trains on various routes, forcing them to stop traffic, evacuate passengers, and conduct additional checks on carriages. This complicates logistics and creates additional risks for the civilian population.
Officials cite two main reasons for the escalation of attacks. The first is a significant increase in the production of inexpensive Shahed-type strike drones, which allows the aggressor to launch massive missile and drone strikes over long distances. The second is stagnation on the front line, which has caused the Russian command to shift its focus to undermining Ukraine's resources and supply routes.
Oleksandr Pertsovsky, CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia, emphasizes that the response is to quickly localize the effects of strikes, closely coordinate with the military, and train personnel to recognize possible sabotage. These measures should reduce downtime and minimize damage from attacks.
The increase in attacks on railways has coincided with waves of attacks on energy infrastructure, further complicating the operation of logistics networks. Against the backdrop of these attacks, Ukraine continues to strike fuel infrastructure facilities in the Russian Federation, which also affects the overall dynamics of fuel supplies in the region.
As of now, the extent of the damage and the exact calculation of losses are being agreed upon by representatives of the railway and state bodies; operational repair teams are continuing restoration work, and security services are intensifying inspections on routes and critical infrastructure facilities.
