Overnight into July 24, Russian forces launched a massive attack on railway infrastructure near the ports of Greater Odesa, including Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi sea ports, aiming to disrupt cargo transport and maritime transshipment, Defense Express noted. This strike is part of a broader trend of regular Russian attacks on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure in border and frontline areas.
Russia’s clear goal is to completely halt all transport operations, not just those supporting Ukraine’s Defense Forces, the report stated.
Exploring additional tools to protect Ukrainian Railways’ infrastructure, Defense Express analysts highlighted the limited effectiveness of armored trains. They suggested adopting a solution reportedly used by Russian forces for logistics in frontline zones: remotely controlled railway trolleys, a type of ground-based robotic system on rail tracks.
Defense Express noted that, even before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Western countries were developing unmanned railway transport for cargo. With Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukraine’s rail logistics, such innovations are increasingly relevant, DE concluded.
On July 24, Ukrainian Railways reported ongoing targeted Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure and railway rolling stock.
“Last night, the enemy again hit areas around Odesa ports to block access,” the company stated, noting no railway workers were injured and restoration efforts were underway.
Overnight into July 23, Russia deliberately targeted Ukrainian Railways’ energy infrastructure with strike drones, damaging facilities in Sumy and Poltava oblasts.