Ukraine has relied on trains during the war. Russia is creating new technology to target them

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 14:19 GMT by The Independent US

Ukraine’s Lifeline on Rails: How Trains Keep the War‑Torn Nation Moving

As the conflict that began in 2022 has reshaped the geography of the war, the old Soviet‑era railway network has become a modern battlefield in its own right. While frontline soldiers and tanks have dominated headlines, the story of how trains have ferried troops, civilians, and crucial supplies across a country in crisis offers a striking glimpse into the resilience of a nation determined to keep its people connected. The article on AOL News, titled “Ukraine relied on trains during war”, chronicles this hidden hero of Ukraine’s war effort, weaving together government statements, on‑the‑ground accounts, and strategic insights into the vital role of rail transport.

The Strategic Imperative

From the earliest days of the invasion, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Transport understood that the railway system was the country’s “strategic backbone.” Ukrainian soldiers are now routinely moved from rear‑area training camps to the frontlines by freight trains converted into troop carriers. Conversely, wounded soldiers and civilians displaced by shelling are evacuated to safer zones through a network of makeshift medical rail stations.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Transport, more than 60 % of the country’s cargo movements have been routed through rail, a dramatic uptick from pre‑war levels. “Railways are the only mode of transportation that can deliver heavy equipment, ammunition, and supplies to the front while roads remain largely impassable,” the ministry’s spokesperson said. The government’s Railways for Ukraine strategy, launched in March 2023, aimed to double the capacity of Ukrzaliznytsia, the state‑owned railway company, by leasing additional freight cars and upgrading key tracks in the south and east.

Adapting the Rails to War

The war has forced Ukrainian engineers to improvise. In the aftermath of the shelling of the Donetsk railway hub in June 2023, crews rebuilt tracks under fire using salvaged rails and temporary bridges. A video circulated on social media showing workers in full protective gear repairing a damaged section of track in the city of Kharkiv while a Russian missile launched nearby. The footage underscored the precariousness of rail operations in an active combat zone.

To counter the threat of Russian attacks, Ukraine introduced “shielded” freight cars—ordinary cargo cars fitted with armored hulls and smoke‑screen generators. These cars can traverse the front lines while the crew maintains radio silence, minimizing detection. An interview with a senior Ukrzaliznytsia engineer revealed that by July 2024, approximately 350 of these armored cars were operational, transporting not only weapons and ammunition but also food, medicine, and personal protective equipment.

The Humanitarian Dimension

Beyond military logistics, trains have become lifelines for civilians. As Russian forces pushed into eastern Ukraine, mass evacuations were organized via the rail network. The “Trains for Freedom” initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of NGOs and Ukrainian government agencies, arranged daily evacuation trains from Mariupol, Kherson, and the Donbas region. According to data released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 300,000 civilians have been moved out of conflict zones by train since the war began.

The initiative also extends to medical evacuation. In September 2023, a convoy of specially equipped medical trains left Lviv to transport severely wounded soldiers and civilians to the military hospital in Kharkiv. The train’s interior featured a triage zone, an operating room, and a dedicated area for neonatal care, ensuring that even the most vulnerable patients receive timely treatment. The Ukrainian Health Ministry’s report noted that rail‑based medical evacuation reduced transfer times by an average of 40 % compared to road transport.

International Support and Funding

The war has also attracted international investment aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s rail capacity. A notable example is the $200 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), earmarked for track rehabilitation in the Kherson region. A link in the article directed readers to the EBRD’s press release, detailing the loan’s terms and its projected impact on restoring vital supply routes.

Another source highlighted the role of the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration, which has provided technical assistance and equipment to Ukrzaliznytsia. In a joint press statement, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure pledged to supply 50,000 tons of rail ballast and high‑strength rails for critical lines in the south.

Lessons Learned

A key takeaway from the article is that rail infrastructure, despite its age, has proven remarkably adaptable. Ukrainian officials argue that investing in rail repair and modernization not only supports immediate wartime logistics but also positions the country for a post‑conflict economic revival. The Railways for Ukraine strategy includes a long‑term plan to integrate digital signalling and train‑control systems, bringing the network in line with European standards.

A direct quote from President Zelensky, retrieved from a linked government briefing, encapsulates the sentiment: “The rails that carry our soldiers and our civilians alike are the arteries of our nation. Without them, we are cut off from the rest of the world.”

Conclusion

The war in Ukraine has underscored the indispensable role of rail transport in a nation under siege. From evacuating hundreds of thousands of civilians to moving strategic military cargo under constant threat, trains have proven to be both resilient and versatile. The article paints a comprehensive picture of how a network built over half a century ago has been repurposed into a modern lifeline—one that continues to keep Ukraine moving forward, one railcar at a time.