International connections impacted as Russian attacks damage Ukraine’s rail grid

Passenger trains travelling on the Odessa and Dnipro routes are experiencing delays following a large-scale enemy strike on power substations, according to RBC-Ukraine, which cited a statement by Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukraine Railways) on Telegram.

The railway company reported that some trains are being redirected along modified routes, while 20 reserve diesel locomotives have already been deployed to maintain service. In addition, several trains were halted by dispatchers at a safe distance from the affected area to ensure passenger safety.

Ukrzaliznytsia emphasised that it remains in contact with foreign railway dispatch services to coordinate train transfers, adjust waiting times, and accelerate border control procedures. This particularly concerns international connections in the Polish cities of Chełm and Przemyśl.

"Work is continuing to restore power to the signalling equipment, and traffic is now running in backup mode," Ukrzaliznytsia noted.

Since July, Russia has been carrying out massive strikes targeting Ukraine’s railway infrastructure. Key junction stations have been the primary focus of these attacks, but power substations, locomotive depots, and passenger terminals have also been deliberately struck.

Earlier, on the morning of September 16, Russian forces launched drone strikes against Kharkiv. One of the drones hit the building of the National Pharmaceutical University in the city’s Slobozhanskiy district, damaging the roof and sparking a fire. Four people were injured in the attack.

By Tamilla Hasanova