Transport collapse in Ukraine: snowfall has blocked roads, drivers are advised not to get behind the wheel

Heavy snowfall and icy roads have paralyzed traffic in various regions of Ukraine: traffic jams have formed in cities, cars are stuck on highways, and Ukrzaliznytsia is changing train routes. Find out where the situation is most difficult, how public services are working, and what drivers and passengers can expect in the near future

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Ukraine has been hit by bad weather—after a night of snowfall and a sudden thaw, the roads have turned into an ice rink. The most difficult situation is in Kyiv and on key highways, but the problems have already spread to other regions.

Social media is flooded with videos showing miles-long traffic jams, accidents, and stranded vehicles.

Transport is almost paralyzed

In the capital, the roads are covered with a solid layer of ice, which makes driving difficult on almost all highways. Both private and public transport are stuck.

In one of the videos, passengers were forced to push the bus so that it could move off the slippery road. Drivers complain that cars can hardly accelerate, braking distances have increased several times over, and inclines have turned into “traps” where vehicles come to a standstill en masse. Due to the dangerous conditions, Kyiv residents are advised to refrain from traveling unless absolutely necessary.

According to the Kyiv City State Administration, the effects of the bad weather are being dealt with continuously: 289 units of Kyivavtodor special equipment are in operation, 31 teams of 216 workers are clearing sidewalks and crossings, and 67 units of equipment and 755 employees of Zelenbud are working in parks and squares.

Also, the day before, the police reported that due to difficult weather conditions, restrictions on the entry of heavy and large-sized vehicles into the capital would be introduced from 10 p.m. on February 15.

Kyiv-Odesa highway: cars are stuck and breaking down

Due to snowfall, traffic on the Odesa-Kyiv highway was stopped in some places, and in some places cars were stuck in snowdrifts.

In addition, the condition of the M-05 Kyiv-Odesa highway has deteriorated sharply. Photos and videos of numerous potholes are being posted online. After the thaw, the road surface became dangerous: cars are moving at a snail's pace, potholes are invisible in the dark, and the most common consequence is damage to the chassis. Some vehicles ended up on the side of the road waiting for tow trucks.

Road services are carrying out emergency repairs with cold asphalt concrete mixtures and are asking drivers not to leave their cars on the side of the road so as not to interfere with the work of the equipment.

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Dozens of centimeters of snow in Chernihiv region

Heavy precipitation also covered the north of the country. In Chernihiv, 14 centimeters of snow fell on February 15 alone, and the total snow cover reached 32 centimeters.

Almost 50 municipal workers and about 30 pieces of equipment are working in the city. During the day, nine special machines, ten tractors, and two loaders clear public transport routes, while dozens of cleaners and road workers are working at stops and crossings. In the private sector, additional tractors were brought in to clear the streets.

An even larger group is working on the region's roads — 96 pieces of equipment and 112 workers. As of the morning of February 16, about 750 tons of sand-salt mixture had been used, primarily on routes with the heaviest traffic.

The bad weather also affected trains: what changes in train traffic

On February 16, Ukrzaliznytsia temporarily changed routes in a number of regions, delays are possible, and in some areas passengers are being transported by bus.

In the Sumy region, regional trains are temporarily running only to and from Konotop. Further north, passengers can use either a suburban train or bus transportation.

In Chernihiv region, there are no additional restrictions, but delays are possible on the Slavutych and Nizhyn routes, where the contact network often suffers from weather conditions.

In the Kharkiv region, traffic has been restored on the damaged section in Lozova, but passengers are still being transported by bus in the direction of Kramatorsk. Transportation is organized by the Proliska humanitarian mission, and travel is free, but registration is required before boarding. At the same time, regional express trains are running on schedule in the Izyum direction.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, some long-distance trains continue to run, including the Lviv-Zaporizhzhia, Yasinya-Zaporizhzhia, Solotvyno-Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv-Zaporizhzhia high-speed trains. Regional trains also run between Zaporizhzhia, Synelnykove, and Dnipro. Decisions regarding other routes will be made on an ad hoc basis depending on the security situation.

‼️ Passengers are asked to closely follow the announcements in the Ukrzaliznytsia app and follow the instructions of train crews and station staff. The app also has a memo with instructions on what to do in case of an attack.

Weather conditions are not expected to improve in the near future

Forecasters predict cloudy weather, light snow, and wind gusts of up to 15–20 m/s with temperatures around −7…−9°. Roads will remain icy.

The Kyiv City State Administration urges people to refrain from unnecessary travel and to be as careful as possible.

What to do during icy conditions: practical advice

For drivers

Reduce your speed by 2–3 times, even on familiar routes

Keep a distance at least 4–5 times greater than usual

Brake with the engine, not by pressing the pedal sharply

Do not make sharp turns with the steering wheel

Before climbing, build up minimal momentum rather than accelerating on ice

If the car skids, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid and do not brake sharply

If possible, leave the car and use the subway

For pedestrians

Wear shoes with treaded soles or ice grips

Take small steps, bending your knees slightly

Do not use your phone while walking

Cross the road only after making sure that the car has come to a complete stop

Be especially careful near bus stops and stairs

If you still have to drive on the highway

Carry a shovel, rope, and a charged phone

Fill up your tank — traffic jams can last for hours

Take water, warm clothes, and a power bank

Inform your loved ones of your route

‼️ Weather forecasters advise planning trips in advance and working remotely if possible.

Due to icy roads, the number of traffic accidents increases even among experienced drivers, so it is worth taking care of financial protection in advance. A valid auto insurance policy will cover the damages to the injured party in the event of an accident and protect your budget from unexpected repair or medical expenses. You can purchase a policy online in a few minutes without having to travel or wait in line, which is especially important during bad weather when unnecessary trips on the road are dangerous.

Reminder! Winter snow drifts and road collapses are a serious challenge for drivers. Learn how to get out of the snow without damaging your car, what not to do, and how to minimize financial risks in winter.

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