Russia is waging a campaign of terror on the railways: Ukraine is changing the rules for train passengers

Rail services in Ukraine are operating under a new threat: targeted attacks on passenger trains. Ukrzaliznytsia is stepping up security measures, which is already leading to widespread delays and changes to transport regulations. Find out how this will affect passengers and what you need to bear in mind before travelling

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Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, adopting a new tactic of targeted strikes against passenger trains. In response, Ukrzaliznytsia is implementing updated safety protocols that directly affect train services and passenger comfort.

This was announced by the company’s chairman, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, during a briefing. According to him, whilst strikes were previously directed mainly at fixed infrastructure, since the end of 2025 the enemy has begun targeting rolling stock — specifically, moving trains.

“The enemy has the ability to adjust attacks in real time, particularly using ‘Shahed’-type drones. This creates a risk of direct hits on trains,” noted Pertsovskyi.

Trains will stop and evacuate passengers

In light of the new threat, Ukrzaliznytsia has amended its safety protocols. Now, if a risk of attack is detected:

▪️ trains may stop in advance at safe locations

▪️ passengers may be evacuated to shelters or safe zones

▪️ decisions are made in coordination with the military and based on monitoring of the air situation

If there is no shelter at the station, conductors will organise passenger checks in open areas, using special high-visibility vests.

The top priority is saving lives. Dozens of cases have already been recorded where such measures helped prevent casualties, even when locomotives were hit.

Massive train delays: what is happening now

The enemy’s new tactics are already directly affecting train timetables. As of the evening of 24 March, significant delays are being reported across the country.

Among the most notable cases:

▪️ Kyiv–Khmelnytskyi train: delay of +5 hours 50 minutes

▪️ Konotop–Kyiv: +5 hours

▪️ Chernihiv–Ivano-Frankivsk: +6 hours

▪️ Sumy–Kyiv: up to +10 hours

▪️ Kyiv–Sumy: over +7 hours

▪️ Lozova–Lviv: approximately +2 hours 50 minutes

The reason is the same in all cases — the impact of hostilities.

Some trains are delayed whilst still preparing for departure, others whilst already en route. In some cases, passengers arrive more than 10 hours late.

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What passengers need to know

Ukrzaliznytsia emphasises: delays and stops are not a system failure, but a deliberate safety measure.

Passengers are advised to:

▪️ remain calm and follow the conductors’ instructions

▪️ be prepared for possible stops and evacuations

▪️ plan journeys in advance, taking potential delays into account

These changes are a necessary response to a real threat, and they have already proven their effectiveness in critical situations.

Against the backdrop of intensifying attacks, the issue of personal safety becomes critically important, especially for foreigners in Ukraine.

Medical insurance covering military risks is available on the Visit Ukraine portal. Such a policy is not merely a formality, but a real tool for protection in high-risk conditions.

Please note! There has been an increase in false reports of bombs on trains in Ukraine, forcing passengers to leave trains in the middle of the journey and wait for hours for checks to be carried out. These incidents cause disruption to services and create a tense atmosphere amongst travellers. Find out what to do in such a situation, what to take with you and how to keep yourself safe during a forced evacuation.

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