Ukraine's Railway Under Siege: Resilience Amidst Growing Attacks

Tue Oct 21 2025 23:05:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the wake of intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's vital railway infrastructure, railway workers like Olha Zolotova embody the resilience of a nation facing unprecedented challenges. The attacks aim to disrupt the essential supply lines that support both civilian needs and military operations.

As Russia escalates its drone attacks on Ukraine's railway system, which is crucial for the country's war effort, railway workers face grave danger. Olha Zolotova, a conductor injured in a recent strike, showcases the human cost of these assaults while highlighting the railway's importance to both civilian mobility and national resilience. With double the attacks recorded recently, attention is on how Ukraine will protect this critical infrastructure as it braces for harsher winters and ongoing conflict.

In the heart of Ukraine's ongoing war, railway conductor Olha Zolotova lies in a hospital bed, recounting the harrowing day her train was struck by a Russian drone. Covered in rubble and trapped amidst chaos, Olha symbolizes the human toll of the conflict as Russia increases its attacks on Ukraine's vital railway system, a key infrastructure supporting both the nation's logistics and its war effort.

When the Shahed drone hit, I was in the second car and everything around me caught fire, Olha recalls. Her injuries, severe enough to warrant a transfer to a specialized hospital in Kyiv, reflect the broader assault on Ukraine's railway—an essential lifeline stretching over 21,000 km that connects the nation.

Recent reports indicate that railway attacks have surged—Ukrainian officials have noted a doubling in September compared to August, demonstrating a clear attempt by Russia to disrupt transport and convey a message of panic. Deputy Minister Oleksiy Balesta highlights a worrying trend: Half of the railway attacks since the invasion began occurred in the last two months alone. This unsettling statement underscores the deepening crisis faced by the nation.

Olha's harrowing experience occurred in Shostka, where a rescue operation was swiftly interrupted by a second drone strike, raising questions about the targeting of civilians and emergency personnel, potentially violating international laws. In total, thirty individuals were injured in this double-tap strike, which has shocked the populace and highlighted vulnerabilities in their defenses.

Ukrainian officials attribute these intensified strikes to Russia's increased production of drones and a shift in military tactics as the frontline remains relatively stable. As Balesta remarked, The enemy is hunting for locomotives—deliberately targeting freight and passenger trains. This poses severe challenges not just to the military but also to the economy, as the railways play a crucial role in transporting goods—including vital grain and iron ore exports.

In the face of adversity, Ukrainian authorities are implementing strategic measures to safeguard the railways, coordinating closely with military leaders and strengthening emergency responses. Meanwhile, morale is upheld with stories of courage, as Olga's account and others remind Ukrainians of their resilience. Despite extensive damage and a potential harsh winter ahead, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, head of Ukraine's railways, asserts that the spirit of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken.

The necessity of air defense systems is echoed among various leaders as they prepare for what could become the nation’s toughest winter yet. In this prolonged battle for survival, the railway workers are revered as iron heroes, steadfast amidst the relentless siege against their country's core infrastructure, raising hopes of unity and strength against adversity.