Ukraine turns to Europe for more locomotives after Russian attacks drain its reserves
Photo: The aftermath of an enemy attack on a train (Ukrzaliznytsia)
Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of backup locomotives due to Russian strikes on railway infrastructure. This threatens the export of grain and iron ore, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi said, according to the Financial Times.
According to him, Ukraine has nearly exhausted its reserve of backup railway equipment. As a result, the authorities are negotiating with EU countries that have the same railway gauge for the possible provision of additional locomotives to save exports.
According to TIS CEO Mykyta Hrubov, three locomotives have been lost as a result of enemy attacks in the area of the terminal at the port of Pivdennyi alone.
He said that the shortage has already become a weak point in port logistics.
The FT notes that even restoring operations at Black Sea ports will not solve the problem if cargo cannot be transported directly to the berths.
In addition, in recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified targeted strikes on trains carrying Ukraine's main export goods—grain and iron ore.
It should be noted that Russian forces recently attacked a commuter train in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Two passengers were seriously injured during the evacuation.
Before that, Russian forces attacked a train traveling from Kyiv to Mykolaiv. Thanks to a timely warning and the actions of the railway crew, passengers were evacuated in time.
