Germany provides new aid to Ukraine, relief for Ukrainian railways
Ukrzaliznytsia (Photo: Getty Images)
Heiko Toms, Germany’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, handed over the first 13 vehicles to the Ukrainian side for repairing railway infrastructure damaged by Russian shelling, emphasizing strategic partnership and continued support for the country, according to the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
First vehicles for urgent restoration
Deutsche Bahn (Germany) delivered the first 13 vehicles as part of a larger aid package comprising 18 vehicles, 32 generators, and 18 pieces of special equipment.
Eleven vehicles were sent to regions to support track repair crews, energy specialists, and communications teams. Two units will be used by the locomotive company to transport personnel.
Significance of the new transport for the railway
Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Oleksii Balesta, noted that constant Russian strikes create an urgent need for official service vehicles.
“Thanks to our partners, railway workers received new transport that will allow them to quickly reach the site of Russian attacks and quickly restore damaged infrastructure,” he said.
The new vehicles will speed up the deployment of repair brigades to damaged sections, helping ensure uninterrupted train operations and the country’s logistics capabilities.
Support and strategic partnership
Heiko Toms emphasized that support for Ukraine contributes to the integration of its railway system into the European network.
“Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s war crimes, in particular targeted attacks on railway infrastructure, its workers and passengers,” the ambassador said.
He also highlighted the resilience of transport sector workers, who continue to ensure civilian evacuations and deliver humanitarian cargo under martial law conditions.
Memory of the victims
During the event, participants inspected a passenger carriage of the train Barvinkove – Lviv – Chop operated by Ukrzaliznytsia, which was destroyed by Russian kamikaze drones on January 27 in the Kharkiv region.
As a result of the attack, six civilians were killed, underscoring the daily risks faced by railway workers and passengers.
