Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s rail lines, in addition to ongoing strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure. On Sunday, a Russian drone struck a civilian train traveling from Kyiv to Sumy, carrying 200 passengers. While no one was injured, the locomotive was damaged and required replacement before the journey could continue.
Targeting Logistics and Supply Lines
Ukraine’s public railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, reports increased Russian fire on engine wagons, freight cars, and railway maintenance equipment since early March, along with more frequent attacks on bridges and railyards. Military expert Pavlo Narozhnyi explained to DW that these attacks are part of a broader strategy to disrupt logistical, export, and military supply lines.
According to Narozhnyi, the goal is to slow Ukraine’s economy and hinder the movement of forces to the front lines. He stated, “War requires incredible amounts of fuel, munition and equipment… All of that needs to be transported. You can use roads, but that’s quite expensive and doesn’t make financial sense. That’s why most military equipment is transported along railways.”
Drone Networks and Vulnerable Rail Lines
Russian forces are utilizing drone swarms, coordinated through what experts call “mesh networks,” to carry out these attacks. Serhii Beskrestnov, who advises Ukraine’s Defense Ministry on drones and electronic warfare, described these networks as using drones equipped with modems that act as relays, allowing signals to pass even if some drones are destroyed.
These networks are controlled by radio signals from antennas positioned along borders and in occupied territories. One such network, recently “neutralized” in Belarus, had coverage extending as far as Kyiv, enabling reconnaissance drone activity. Another point facilitated attacks along the Kyiv-Kovel rail line.
Defensive Measures and Future Risks
The rail lines along Ukraine’s borders with Russia and Belarus, as well as those leading south toward Crimea and Odesa, are considered the most vulnerable. Ivan Kyrychevskyi, a weapons expert at Defense Express, emphasized the need for increased air defense resources, specifically “establishing a ‘small’ air-defense system” comprised of mobile groups with portable systems.
Ukrzaliznytsia is implementing security measures, including fitting locomotives with armored plates and utilizing drone networks for monitoring. Container wagons are also being added between engines and passenger cars to mitigate damage from potential explosions. While the railway company states its employees function with armed forces to monitor airspace and adjust routes when threats are detected, experts suggest Ukraine’s electronic defense systems along key railway routes need expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of equipment is being targeted in these attacks?
Engine wagons, freight cars, railway maintenance equipment, locomotives, bridges, and railyards have all come under increased Russian fire since early March.
How are Russian forces coordinating their drone attacks?
Russian forces are using radio-based mesh networks, where drones relay signals to each other, allowing them to maintain communication and coordination even if some drones are shot down.
What is being done to protect Ukraine’s railways?
Ukrzaliznytsia is implementing security measures such as armored plates on locomotives, drone monitoring, and adding container wagons for protection. Experts also suggest the need for increased air defense resources.
As Ukraine continues to defend against these attacks, will increased investment in air defense and electronic warfare prove sufficient to safeguard its critical railway infrastructure?
