Ukraine launches direct rail links to three EU capitals PHOTO

Ukraine has inaugurated direct rail services from Uzhhorod, in the country’s west, to three European Union capitals: Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna.

The first trains departed on September 12, carrying 280 passengers, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian Railways.

The initiative, led by Ukraine’s state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia in collaboration with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, is funded by the European Commission’s Connected Europe Facility and the European Investment Bank.

Describing the launch as a “symbol of integration into the broader EU transport network,” Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksiy Kuleba said the project allows passengers from Uzhhorod to travel directly to the three capitals. He added that the next step will be to expand such services, offering Ukrainians more convenient European routes.

Ukrzaliznytsia said the new service combines speed and comfort, marking a significant milestone in Ukraine’s post-war transport recovery and European connectivity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev