In a major overnight offensive, Russia targeted Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, grounding transit operations amid ongoing conflict, reports 24brussels. While no injuries were reported, approximately 20 trains remained in transit during the attacks, resulting in delays to 26 trains in the Dnipro and Odesa regions, with passengers stranded for over five hours.
“Another night, another complex attack on Ukraine’s railways,” said Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, head of the board at Ukrainian Railways. The strikes come as the Russian military escalates its focus on key railway infrastructure that is vital for civilian and cargo transportation across Ukraine.
Since August, Russian forces have intensified their assault on railways, aiming to dismantle critical junctions. Pertsovskyi stated that “drones are massively attacking our key stations,” citing assaults on strategic points such as Lozova, Synelnykovo, and Kozyatyn stations. The ongoing campaign poses significant threats to Ukraine’s logistical capabilities.
The attacks have been characterized by a multi-faceted approach, targeting power substations, locomotive depots, and passenger stations. “The enemy is attacking in such a way that, in fact, the hub is destroyed,” Pertsovskyi emphasized, illustrating the comprehensive nature of these strategic strikes.
This pattern of targeting railway hubs highlights the broader intent of the Russian military to cripple Ukraine’s transportation networks, exacerbating the challenges faced by the country in the ongoing conflict. As Ukraine navigates these challenges, the resilience of its railways remains crucial to maintaining connections both domestically and with the European Union.
