Russia wants to destroy Ukrzaliznytsia

Since the summer, Russia has significantly intensified attacks on Ukrainian railway infrastructure, using a new tactic — targeted strikes with Shahed kamikaze drones on hubs and even locomotives.

This was reported by Oleksandr Pertsovsky, Chairman of the Board of Joint-Stock Company Ukrzaliznytsia.

According to Pertsovsky, the strikes are not aimed at military transportation.

He noted that the first goal of the Russians is to sow panic among passengers, and the second — to hit the Ukrainian economy.

Since mid-summer, the Russians have been launching an average of 6–7 Shahed drones every night on electrical substations and key railway hubs. 5–6 of the largest hubs have been hit.

Previously, the Russian Federation did not have enough resources to spend drones on individual locomotives, but now it “can afford” such tactics.

Despite the attacks, Ukrzaliznytsia quickly resumed operations within 6–12 hours, switching trains from electric to diesel locomotives. However, this creates a serious financial burden: the operation of diesel locomotives is five times more expensive.

However, Ukraine cannot lose the potential of Ukrzaliznytsia, as it remains key for: evacuation and transportation of passengers; delivery of military equipment; transportation of commercial cargo, the volumes of which were significantly reduced during wartime.

It is the railway that has become the “road of life” for millions of Ukrainians and continues to be a target for Russia.