Often criticized in the past for its slowness or the corruption problems of its leaders, the railway has regained a central place in Ukraine since the start of the conflict with Russia.
Almost two years ago, 4 millionUkrainians fleeing aggression Russians were mainly evacuated by train.
Since then, the country’s rails have transported many politicians to Kyiv, such as the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in April 2022 (and several times since), or US President Joe Biden in February last year.
Safe journeys thanks to the Air Force
At the start of the war, railway staff took care to close the curtains on board, so that the Russians could not spot the trains.
“Today there are fewer threats“, explains Vasyl, Ukrainian controller. “Our skies are protected by the Ukrainian Air Force“.
This security allows citizens to continue to travel and maintain a link with their families.
In addition to the transport of civilian passengers, the railways ensure the supply of goods throughout the country, as well as the transport of military personnel and equipment to the front.