At a particularly critical juncture for Ukraine, amid a freezing winter and deep energy crisis, Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russian attacks are now changing in nature and targets. As he stated, recently the focus of strikes has shifted from energy infrastructure to the railway network, which constitutes a vital artery for the country. The timing of these attacks raises concern, as Ukraine is already being tested by power outages and low temperatures, while trains remain a primary means of transportation for civilians and for moving troops and cargo.
Russian attacks on railway network: Zelensky’s accusations
The Ukrainian president reported that the Russian military is focusing its efforts on terrorizing the population, targeting the supply network and primarily the railway system. As he wrote on social media, the attacks are hitting regions like Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, where Russian military operations are also concentrated. While strikes against energy infrastructure have decreased since last week, attacks on railway lines have multiplied.
Russians targeted a passenger train full of civilians in Ukraine. Don’t look away and don’t be fooled by russian “peace proposals” pic.twitter.com/1B3rvoNKAA
— Vatnik Soup (@P_Kallioniemi) January 27, 2026
Ukrainian railways and passenger safety risks
On January 27, Russian drones struck a passenger train in the Kharkiv region, killing at least five passengers, according to Ukrainian authorities. The state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia warned of increased danger levels and urged citizens to prefer buses. In the Sumy region, the company is monitoring drone threats and announced that trains will stop near shelters in case of danger. Zelensky made clear that the attacks constitute intimidation and emphasized that Ukraine will continue to defend itself, underlining the critical role of the railway network since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
