Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that over 500 locomotives have been destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks since the full-scale war began, with more than half of these incidents occurring this year. The intensified attacks, particularly on railway infrastructure in western Ukraine, are disrupting logistics and prompting calls for Western assistance in procuring replacement locomotives.
The destruction of over 500 locomotives disrupts Ukraine's logistics and supply chains, impacting its ability to move goods and people, which is critical for both its war effort and humanitarian needs. The attacks also highlight the ongoing threat to civilian infrastructure and the urgent need for international support to maintain Ukraine's transportation resilience.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported on September 15, 2026, that over 500 locomotives have been destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks throughout the full-scale war, with more than half of these incidents occurring since the beginning of the year. This statement comes amid an intensification of Russian drone attacks targeting trains and railway infrastructure across Ukraine.
One of the most recent strikes impacted the locomotive of the Kyiv-Warsaw train approximately two kilometers from the Polish border. Additionally, an overnight attack on September 15 hit unspecified railway infrastructure in western Volyn Oblast, causing a diesel locomotive to catch fire, according to Sybiha. The State Emergency Service confirmed the fire but reported no casualties.
Sybiha stated that Russia's systematic attacks aim to disrupt logistics within Ukraine and emphasized the country's urgent need for replacement locomotives compatible with the 1520 mm gauge. He appealed to Western allies for assistance in finding and financing the procurement of these essential components. "Supporting Ukraine's railway resilience will help avert a humanitarian crisis and strengthen our resilience under the challenging conditions of full-scale war," Sybiha added.
The increasing number of attacks prompted Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) to implement an evacuation protocol in March in response to heightened aerial threats. While this protocol has helped minimize casualties, the increased frequency of evacuations has led to significant train delays. Although Russian drone attacks have typically focused on front-line regions, recent strikes in western Ukraine have raised concerns about the growing threat to rail routes previously considered relatively safe.