Russian troops have damaged about 400 Ukrainian locomotives since the beginning of 2026. In total, during the full-scale invasion, the number of affected locomotives has risen to approximately 630.
This was announced on November 13 by the Minister of Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport Mykola Kalashnyk during the question hour to the government in the Verkhovna Rada.
According to the minister, the intensity of Russian attacks on the railway continues to increase. Just since the beginning of November, about 15 strikes on rolling stock have been recorded.
Updated statistics indicate a further increase in losses of the locomotive fleet. As early as October 30, Kalashnyk reported 605 damaged locomotives. He emphasized then that a significant part of the equipment cannot be returned to operation even after repairs due to the severity of the damage.
Due to constant strikes on railway infrastructure, Ukraine is forced to use combined passenger transport. In particular, on certain routes, railway connections are supplemented by bus transfers.
According to Kalashnyk, since the beginning of October, about 10,000 passengers have used such transportation. This concerns two routes - Konotop - Sumy and Kharkiv - Lozova.
During the meeting, People's Deputy Ihor Vasyliev drew attention to the shortage of buses for passenger transportation in Sumy region. According to him, the available transport is not always enough for everyone, and residents of certain settlements face additional difficulties during trips.
The minister confirmed the importance of the bus transportation program, which has been in effect since October 1, but did not specify concrete dates for increasing the number of buses or restoring full railway connection.
Earlier it was reported that "Ukrzaliznytsia" is preparing to attract up to 60 used locomotives to replenish its fleet. For this purpose, the company is working on international grant funding and agreements with foreign partners.
Based on materials: meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
