Ukraine Steps Up Railway Protection Measures as Russian Drone Attacks Intensify

Ukraine is stepping up security and protective measures for its national railway network as Russian drone attacks increasingly target locomotives, stations, and vital logistics infrastructure. According to state rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia, more than 1,600 attacks were reported during the first eight months of 2026, creating severe challenges for civilian transport, evacuations, and freight delivery.

Recent incidents highlight the growing danger to rail operations. On September 16, a train traveling between Kyiv and Mykolaiv was struck by a Russian drone. The previous day, another train in the Volhynia region near the Polish border was also attacked. A separate incident occurred at the Yahodyn border crossing, where a drone struck the locomotive of a passenger train just two kilometers from Polish territory. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that instance because Ukrzaliznytsia's monitoring system detected the incoming drone, allowing for the evacuation of the train roughly 15 minutes prior to impact.

Ukrainian authorities later indicated that a diplomatic train carrying former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other European leaders and security advisers had stopped at the same station earlier that day. Officials believe the high-profile diplomatic transport was the intended target, but it had departed ahead of schedule.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on the social media platform X that Russia has damaged or destroyed over 500 Ukrainian locomotives since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, with more than half of those losses occurring this year. Sybiha described the campaign as part of "Putin's terror" aimed at destabilizing Ukraine's logistics network. He called on international partners to tighten sanctions against Russia and provide financial aid to help procure replacement locomotives compatible with the country's Soviet-era broad-gauge tracks.

Vasyl Shevchenko, a former Ukrainian deputy transport minister, explained that locomotives are targeted because their large thermal signatures make them extremely difficult to miss. A strike on a diesel locomotive can detonate several metric tons of fuel using a relatively small explosive charge, while an electric locomotive strike can cause fires that paralyze entire stretches of track. Replacing these vehicles takes years of advance ordering. Ukrzaliznytsia reports that negotiations are underway with international partners, and a contract has already been signed with the French company Alstom for deliveries starting next year.

In response to the escalating threats, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's staff on September 15 to focus on critical infrastructure and logistics protection. Discussions centered on production contracts for protection systems, expanding electronic warfare capabilities, reorganizing mobile fire teams, and strengthening air defense lines. Zelenskyy also instructed the Finance Ministry to identify additional funding for the logistics sector and established backup logistics routes for frontline regions.

Ukrzaliznytsia has established a centralized monitoring center to track drone and train movements nationwide. However, Oleh Holovashchenko of Ukrzaliznytsia noted that the introduction of jet-powered Shahed-type drones has significantly reduced response times. Consequently, operators are enforcing more precautionary stops and avoiding potential danger zones altogether.

To maintain connectivity in high-risk areas, authorities are expanding the "train plus bus" concept by deploying buses in coordination with military officials. Passengers are receiving updated safety instructions and guidance on utilizing nearby shelters. Dispatchers use maps to route trains near designated shelters whenever possible, and train personnel are receiving specialized psychological support.

As colder weather approaches, Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing for winter operations in coordination with donors and foundations to ensure trains remain heated. Staff are being supplied with blankets, rain jackets, and emergency equipment to assist passengers if winter storms or security incidents cause trains to stall in remote areas.