Ukrainian Railways face delays and disruptions amid Russian attacks on energy infrastructure
On the night of September 17, Ukraine encountered new challenges as a massive missile and drone attack from Russia severely damaged the country’s energy infrastructure.
This widespread assault once again threatened the stable operation of railway transportation, affecting both domestic and international routes.
Passengers traveling from Odessa and Dnipro faced delays, and some trains had to reroute due to power outages and damage to electrical networks.
In response, Ukrzaliznytsia deployed over twenty reserve diesel locomotives to maintain train movements amidst the difficult conditions.
Several train schedules were adjusted, with some services canceled or shifted to safe zones away from affected areas.
International coordination was also strengthened, with Ukrainian dispatchers collaborating with foreign railway colleagues to organize transfers, waiting times, and expedited border controls, aiming to reduce disruptions.
Delays are observed not only on internal routes but also in suburban connections.
For instance, in Kyiv, train operations resumed after munitions explosions.
Additionally, logistical complexities are affecting border crossings, notably in Chervonyi Zakhid and Peremyshl, where Ukrainian operators work closely with international counterparts.
A full list of delayed or canceled trains is available on official channels.
Currently, work continues on restoring signaling and safety systems, with some trains running in standby mode to minimize inconvenience.
Recent reports indicate that drones are being used to target Ukrainian railway facilities amid ongoing warfare, posing additional risks and complicating logistics efforts.
Ukrainian railways are doing their best to stabilize the situation, inform passengers, and adapt to evolving conditions, but the overall security environment remains fragile.