Russia has significantly ramped up strikes on Ukraine’s railway network, increasing pressure on the country’s key infrastructure. The railway, which spans approximately 21,000 kilometers, is not only a transportation artery but also an important strategic element that ensures the country’s resilience during the war.
This is reported by Finway
Increase in Attacks and Civilian Casualties
In recent months, Russia has carried out a series of targeted strikes on railway infrastructure facilities. A particularly notable incident occurred in early October when a train was shelled at a station in Shostka (Sumy region), injuring 13 people. Among the injured are three children, and one man died from a heart attack. The Ukrainian side claims that the attack targeted civilians and rescuers, which, under international law, could be interpreted as a war crime.
“Almost daily over the past two months, we have faced targeted strikes on the infrastructure of ‘Ukrzaliznytsia’ and on energy facilities,” he says.
According to ‘Ukrzaliznytsia’, the number of Russian attacks on railway sector facilities doubled in September compared to August. Strikes are being carried out not only on trains but also on the facilities that support their operation. Deputy Minister for Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Balesta noted that half of all attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion occurred in the last two months.
Reasons for Escalation and Ukrainian Response
Officials cite two main reasons for the increase in attacks. First, Russia has significantly ramped up production of cheap Shahed-type drones, which have an extended flight range. Second, due to the effective stagnation on the front line, Russian military forces have redirected their efforts towards destroying Ukraine’s logistical routes to complicate supply and movement.
Additionally, there is a growing number of reports about trains being mined on various routes, leading to service stoppages, passenger evacuations, and the need to inspect carriages for explosive devices.
The CEO of ‘Ukrzaliznytsia’, Oleksandr Pertzovsky, emphasizes that Russia’s strategy aims to try to “sow panic among citizens, destroy the economy, and make the country unlivable.” At the same time, Ukraine responds with prompt elimination of the consequences of attacks, enhanced coordination with the military, and training personnel to detect possible sabotage.
It is worth noting that the escalation of attacks on railway infrastructure is accompanied by a new wave of strikes on energy facilities. Simultaneously, Ukraine continues to strike Russian oil refineries, deepening fuel shortages in several regions of the Russian Federation.