Russians have damaged 492 locomotives since start of full-scale war

Russian attacks have damaged 492 locomotives and 249 railway carriages since the start of the full-scale invasion. A government action programme envisages repairing 70% of the damaged locomotives.

Source: Rail.Insider

Details: Fifty-two employees of Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) have been killed while carrying out their professional duties, and another 317 have been injured. Since the beginning of this year alone, Russia has attacked Ukraine's railway infrastructure 1,534 times, according to Mykola Kalashnyk, Ukraine's Minister for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport.

However, 70% of the damaged locomotives are to be repaired under the government's action programme.

The programme for 2026-2027 envisages reforming the railway transport system, expanding the European-gauge railway network, and introducing a new funding model for state-commissioned and socially important passenger services.

The programme also entails repairing 70% of damaged locomotives, renewing 10% of the railway's rolling stock and making 25 railway stations accessible.

Background:

• On 23 August, a Russian UAV struck a Lozova-Kharkiv electric train in Kharkiv Oblast, killing two people and injuring five others. The train had been evacuated, but some people were standing nearby at the time of the attack.
• Ukrzaliznytsia had previously said that the summer season would be more challenging than the previous one, as demand was rising while the number of passenger carriages had fallen: Russian forces had destroyed 46 carriages and damaged another 200 since the start of the full-scale invasion.
• In 2025, Ukraine's railways transported 161.3 million tonnes of freight – 13.6 million tonnes, or 7.8%, less than in 2024.
• Ukrzaliznytsia has signed a contract with the Kriukiv Railway Car Building Works for the supply of another 92 new passenger carriages.
• French manufacturer Alstom and Ukrzaliznytsia have agreed on the supply of 55 modern freight locomotives worth €475 million to Ukraine.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.