President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged new measures and contracts to strengthen security for Ukraine's railways after repeated Russian attacks, including a combat drone strike near the Polish border. Ukrzaliznytsia said the strike may have targeted Western diplomats returning from Kyiv. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported over 500 locomotives have been damaged or destroyed and urged allies to provide replacement engines and funding. Ukraine's rail network remains a critical lifeline for civilians and supply chains since the February 2022 invasion.
Zelensky Pledges Stronger Defences for Ukraine's Railways After Drone Strike Near Polish Border
FILE PHOTO - Firefighters battle the fire caused by a Russian bombing at the train station in the city of Kostiantynivka. (is associated with: «Zelensky vows to bolster security for Ukraine's railways») Hector Adolfo Quintanar Perez/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday pledged to strengthen security for the country's railway network after a string of Russian attacks that have repeatedly targeted rail lines and stations.
Railway infrastructure has been hit several times, most recently when a passenger train traveling from Kyiv to Warsaw was struck by a combat drone close to the Polish border. Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine's state rail operator, suggested the apparent target may have been Western diplomats and former politicians returning from a conference in Kyiv, though that has not been independently confirmed.
Government Response and New Contracts
Zelensky said he convened a meeting focused on protecting critical infrastructure, the energy grid and logistics. He said special attention was given to railways and announced that the government will sign additional contracts to procure systems to protect rail lines, border crossings and other Ukrzaliznytsia facilities.
A lot of attention, of course, was given to the railways. Even though the Russians consider our railways one of their top targets, Ukrzaliznytsia is operating at a high level. Despite delays, despite strikes, and despite all the damage, we are keeping our logistics running.
Damage, Needs and International Appeal
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said more than 500 locomotives have been damaged or destroyed in Russian attacks. He urged allies to help source replacement locomotives and to provide financial support for procurement.
"Supporting Ukraine's railway resilience will help avert a humanitarian crisis and strengthen our resilience under the challenging conditions of full-scale war," Sybiha wrote on X.
The government says the contracts will fund surveillance, air-defence integration for critical points, hardened facilities at major stations and improved logistics coordination to keep civilian and cargo services running despite attacks.
Why It Matters
Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine's rail network has been a vital lifeline—moving civilians, evacuating people, delivering humanitarian aid and transporting essential goods domestically and to European partners. Maintaining its security is therefore central to both civilian safety and the country's economic stability.
Note: Where possible, official claims about specific targets remain unconfirmed; reporting reflects statements from Ukrainian officials and Ukrzaliznytsia.
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