Ukrzaliznytsia has found itself embroiled in a scandal over the overnight evacuation of passengers
In recent days, Ukrzaliznytsia has begun stopping trains and evacuating passengers due to a change in the tactics of Russian attacks.
This was reported by renowned photographer Yan Dobronosov, who was also among the train passengers evacuated overnight due to the threat of an enemy attack.
“So I was caught up in the evacuation on the train during the threat of an enemy attack. It happened around 2 a.m. People were asked to take their documents; those with children were helped, and they were allowed to take blankets,” Dobronosov said.
According to him, the evacuation was well-organized: passengers were given instructions on what to do, urged not to panic, and told to take only the bare essentials. Special attention was given to people with children.
Information about the nighttime evacuation is being actively discussed on social media.
Some users support Ukrzaliznytsia’s actions, considering them the right move in the face of a real threat. Others have raised critical comments regarding the organization of the process and suggest improving passenger information and providing clear instructions during such situations.
The discussion also touches on train schedules, the advisability of stops in dangerous areas, and the effectiveness of safety measures. Some people express dissatisfaction with the inconvenience caused to passengers, while some comments highlight the potential risks during the evacuation.
Ukrzaliznytsia explains that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis after monitoring the situation and have already helped prevent casualties among passengers.
Passengers are advised to:
- familiarize themselves with safety rules in advance;
- strictly follow the conductors’ instructions;
- exit the train cars quickly with only the bare essentials, especially documents;
- assist children, the elderly, and those who need support;
- avoid creating crowds and do not delay the process by trying to take all your luggage.
“The main task is to leave the train as quickly as possible and move to a safe distance,” the company emphasizes.
As a reminder, a massive drone attack and an air raid alert led to the suspension of a number of passenger and commuter trains across Ukraine.
Ukrzaliznytsia is implementing a new safety protocol: immediate stopping of rolling stock in safe locations and evacuation of passengers in the event of a direct threat on the route.
As a reminder, JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” is introducing four additional trains and extending one long-distance route to Yaremche due to increased passenger traffic.
On March 24, 2026, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia, announced a change in the Russian Federation’s shelling tactics, noting that since late 2025, it has begun systematically attacking rolling stock while it is in motion.
In the Kharkiv region, a Russian drone struck a commuter train. No passengers were injured in the attack, but the train engineer and his assistant were wounded.
On the morning of March 8, 2026, a Russian drone carried out a targeted strike on the “Kyiv–Sumy” passenger train.
