Ukrainian Railways (UZ) commented on these reports, noting that Ukraine’s rail infrastructure has been a priority target for the Russian military since the opening days of the 2022 full-scale invasion.
“[Today is] The 1,489th day of the full-scale war, when the Kyiv [railway] station was a key target. We remain calm and focused. We continue to operate,” the rail operator said.
The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) also issued a warning, echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address, of an impending Russian missile attack.
On March 10, the UZ announced the company had updated safety protocols amid intensified Russian attacks. Last week the UZ temporarily limited passenger service between Kyiv and Kharkiv. Intercity trains have been stopping in Poltava because of power outages; sleeper cars continue onward to Kharkiv. Restrictions affect the Poltava–Kharkiv section, where trains recently have run with reserve diesel locomotives, causing frequent delays.
The operator has also announced temporary limits on several
routes, including in Kharkiv Oblast, and introduced unscheduled stops after
Russian drone strikes on passenger trains.