Home / War and Conflict / Ukraine Trains: A Perilous Journey Amidst Russian Attacks
Ukraine Trains: A Perilous Journey Amidst Russian Attacks
30 Oct
Summary
- Russian attacks damage thousands of railway facilities, including locomotives.
- Evacuations are now daily, causing hours-long delays across Ukraine.
- Winter conditions are expected to further complicate train travel.
Train travel within and to/from Ukraine has become a dangerous undertaking due to extensive Russian attacks on railway infrastructure. Since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian Railways reports that 4,856 facilities, including 380 locomotives and 146 carriages, have been damaged. These attacks often target passenger services, forcing frequent and lengthy evacuations.
Daily, between 100 and 200 evacuations occur across the country, leading to hours-long delays. Passengers like Daryna Styrchuk and Kateryna Kumratova describe the anxiety of traveling, with one stating, "fear" is the overwhelming emotion. The threat of drone attacks means journeys, even between major cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv, are constantly interrupted.
The approaching winter is anticipated to worsen conditions, with potential disruptions to energy infrastructure raising concerns about heating and electricity. Ukrainian Railways is preparing for colder weather by planning preventative stops and providing blankets and heating pads. Despite the inherent dangers, passengers continue to rely on trains as the primary means of transportation.
