Ukraine's Railways Under Siege: The Impacts of Intensified Russian Strikes

Thu Oct 16 2025 12:28:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Ukrainian railway system, a pivotal component of the nation's infrastructure and wartime effort, faces an alarming increase in Russian attacks. This article highlights the stories behind the devastation, the challenges faced by railway workers, and the broader implications for Ukraine's resilience.

As Russia escalates its attacks on Ukraine's rail network, the impact on civilians and the transportation system grows dire. The harrowing account of railway conductor Olha Zolotova, who was injured in a drone strike, reflects the urgent need for enhanced protection of this vital infrastructure. With recent statistics showing a sharp increase in strikes since the war began, this article examines the significance of Ukraine's railways in the ongoing conflict and the strategies employed to counter these threats.

In a stark hospital room, railway conductor Olha Zolotova recounts the harrowing moment her train was struck by a Russian drone in the northern Sumy region. When the Shahed [drone] hit, I was covered in rubble, she recalls, trapped amid the chaos and fire that followed the attack. Olha is just one of many victims of the increased frequency of assaults on Ukraine's railway, crucial to its war effort and national pride.

Stretching across 21,000 kilometers, Ukraine's rail network is the backbone of its logistics, moving everything from troops to essential goods. Unfortunately, the current conflict has seen a dramatic uptick in attacks; September alone recorded double the strikes compared to August. According to Oleksiy Balesta, a deputy minister overseeing the railroads, nearly half of the railway attacks since the war began occurred in the last two months.

As Russia seeks to disrupt critical supply lines amid a stagnant front line, targeting these railways has become a strategic focus. The dual approach of bombarding infrastructural and power sites aims to inflict economic pain and provoke panic among civilians.

Olha’s injuries were severe, necessitating her transfer over 300 kilometers for specialized treatment in Kyiv. After undergoing significant surgery, she faces a long road to recovery, emblematic of the broader struggles faced by those in the railway service. As attacks continue, the Ukrainian government and rail operators have committed to maintaining operations, often rerouting trains and implementing rapid response measures in coordination with military units to minimize the impact.

With winter approaching, the ongoing threat to railway transport systems raises concerns about potential shortages and challenges for millions of Ukrainians. Officials stress the importance of air defense systems to mitigate these threats as they simultaneously manage the morale of their passengers. Amidst adversity, initiatives designed to uplift spirits, such as sending cakes to passengers spent on unscheduled train routes, illustrate the commitment to resilience.

As the situation evolves, the locomotive and the railways symbolize more than mere transportation; they reflect the spirit and determination of Ukraine’s people, as they adapt to the relentless challenges posed by ongoing conflict.