Ukraine's locomotive reserve on the brink of exhaustion due to Russian attacks on infrastructure

Russian attacks on railway infrastructure have led to Ukraine nearly exhausting its locomotive reserve. To address this issue, Kyiv is currently in negotiations with European partners regarding the supply of additional rolling stock. This is reported by the Financial Times, citing Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi.

Seeking sources to replenish the traction fleet

According to Vysotskyi, negotiations are ongoing with countries whose railways have the same track gauge as Ukraine's.

Impact of the deficit on port logistics

Mykita Hrubov, Executive Director of TIS, stated that three locomotives have been lost in the area of the company's terminal in the port of Pivdennyi. In his words, the deficit has already become a weak point in port logistics.

Export dependence on rail transport

The Financial Times notes that even in the event of the resumption of operations at Black Sea ports, the issue of delivering cargo to the quays remains unresolved. Maritime export depends not only on the safety of shipping but also on the railway's ability to transport goods.

The publication adds that in recent weeks, Russia has intensified attacks on trains carrying grain and iron ore, key Ukrainian export commodities.