Russian forces are targeting locomotives, trains, and wagons
This year, Russian forces have caused damage to over 500 objects within Ukraine’s railway infrastructure. Approximately 20% of these damaged assets are considered recoverable.
According to Minister Kasyanov, the aggressor has concentrated its efforts on the railway system, destroying locomotives, passenger trains, and rolling stock. In response, Ukraine is enhancing railway protection by implementing mobile defense measures and safeguarding specific facilities and routes. However, Russian military forces continue to successfully strike targets.
Kasyanov further reported that the port infrastructure in the Odessa region remains under Russian bombardment. These attacks pose risks to the export of Ukrainian goods and global food security.
Context
- Since summer 2025, Russia has been actively targeting Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, intensifying assaults on key junction stations in an attempt to sever connections to frontline territories and block alternative routes. In light of these attacks, Ukraine Railways implemented additional security measures for passengers in March 2026, including evacuation procedures in case of imminent strike threats.
- Andriy Kovalенко, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, believes that Russia’s attacks on the railway serve both terrorist and propaganda purposes—creating resonance within Russia while diverting attention from the issues caused by Ukrainian strikes on its military-industrial complex and economy. From a military perspective, he deems such attacks senseless.
