Ukraine will launch a passenger train to Bulgaria as early as this summer

A test train service between Ukraine and Bulgaria via Romania is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2026. 

The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development announced the preparation of a joint route involving the three countries following a meeting in Kyiv between Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba and Bulgarian Minister of Transport Korman Ismailov. 

The new connection is intended to be another step toward integration into the pan-European transport space and to meet the existing demand for travel to Bulgarian cities.

At this time, details regarding the exact schedule, ticket prices, and specific stops have not been disclosed; however, the parties confirmed their intention to ensure the route’s operation in the coming season. In addition to railways, officials discussed the development of road infrastructure and the Danube cluster. The government notes that the launch of this train will improve convenience for passengers and strengthen logistics ties with EU countries. Thus, the three states are joining forces to expand international passenger service amid martial law.

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.