Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukrainian Railway Infrastructure and Transport

Russia is ramping up strikes on the Ukrainian railway network in an attempt to destabilize the situation in the country. In recent months, there has been a significant increase in attacks on railway infrastructure, which is crucial for the functioning of the state during wartime. The 21,000 kilometers of railway tracks not only provide transportation but also ensure Ukraine’s strategic resilience. These attacks are also affecting innocent civilians.

This is reported by AgroReview

Consequences of Strikes on the Railway: Casualties and Destruction

At the beginning of October, Russia struck a train at a station in Shostka, Sumy region, resulting in 13 injuries. One man died from a heart attack, and among the hospitalized are three children. The Ukrainian side claims that the targets of the attack were indeed civilians and rescuers, which could be classified as a war crime under international law.

According to information from “Ukrzaliznytsia”, the number of attacks on railway infrastructure doubled in September compared to August. Not only trains themselves are being shelled and struck, but also the facilities that support their operation. As reported by Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Balesta, half of all attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion have occurred in the last two months.

“Almost every day over the last two months, we have faced targeted strikes on the infrastructure of ‘UZ’ and on energy facilities,” Balesta notes.

According to him, Russia is deliberately targeting locomotives, striking both freight and passenger trains.

Reasons for the Intensification of Attacks and the Ukrainian Response

At the same time, reports are emerging of trains being mined on various routes, forcing the suspension of movement, evacuation of passengers, and inspection of carriages for explosive devices.

Officials cite two main reasons for the increase in attack intensity. The first is a sharp increase in Russia’s capabilities in producing cheap Shahed-type drones capable of covering large distances. The second is the stagnation on the front line, prompting the enemy to focus on destroying logistical supply routes.

General Director of “UZ” Oleksandr Pertzovsky emphasizes that the enemy’s goal is to attempt to completely paralyze railway transport, instill panic among the population, undermine the economy, and create unbearable living conditions in the country.

The key areas of Ukraine’s response to these strikes have been the rapid elimination of the consequences of the attacks, close cooperation with military units, and training personnel to recognize potential diversions and threats.

It is noted that the intensification of attacks on the railway is accompanied by an increase in strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities. At the same time, Ukrainian forces continue to strike oil refineries on the territory of the Russian Federation, complicating the fuel supply situation in certain regions of the RF.