Ukrainian Rail Workers Keep Trains Running Amid Drone Attacks
During the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war, Ukrainian Railways employees—known as ‘iron people’—persist in operating trains even as Russian drones target stations and locomotives. Their resilience keeps essential services running, while the national rail service faces increasing threats and a pressing n…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the early hours of September 21, 2026, a charred passenger carriage lay on the platform of Kyiv’s central station, a stark reminder of the danger that daily commuters and railway staff face. The wrecked car was part of a train that had been struck by a Russian drone in eastern Ukraine last year, killing six passengers. Yet, the workers who keep the rails moving remain undeterred.
Who Are the ‘Iron People’?
Ukrainian Railways, or Ukrzaliznytsia, is the backbone of the country’s transport network. Its employees, many of whom come from families with a railway heritage, have earned the nickname “iron people”—a nod to the company’s name and the steel tracks they patrol. Among them is 40‑year‑old Natalia Kudrich, a steward from Lviv who joined the rail service at 19 and has never left her post since the war began in 2022.
“We keep working because we are made of iron,” Kudrich says. She explains that when a locomotive is hit, the crew will immediately switch to a spare engine to keep the train on schedule. Her confidence and stamina are emblematic of a broader workforce that refuses to abandon essential services amid relentless attacks.
The Escalating Threat to Ukraine’s Rail Network
Since the full‑scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have destroyed or damaged more than 500 locomotives across Ukraine, with half of those incidents occurring this year alone. Drone strikes have become a primary weapon, targeting both freight and passenger lines. A recent attack near Kharkiv Oblast killed one man and injured seven others, while another drone strike on September 14, just 2 kilometres from the Polish border, highlighted the Kremlin’s willingness to provoke Western nations.
Ukrainian Railways’ chief executive, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, has compared attacks on trains to military strikes on civilian aircraft. “If this happened to an aircraft somewhere in Europe, it would be front page news,” he told reporters in Kyiv. “It is a very clear case of terrorism, and it should not be normal.”
Adapting to Faster, More Lethal Drones
Russian drones have evolved from simple quadcopters to jet‑powered Shahed models capable of reaching Ukrainian territory from the Polish border. These drones can travel at speeds that leave little time for evacuation. In response, Ukrzaliznytsia has upgraded its alert system: what once triggered a warning at 50 kilometres now activates at 100 kilometres, giving crews a few minutes to halt trains and move passengers to safety.
Pertsovskyi notes that the rail network’s Soviet‑era broad gauge (1520 mm) limits the import of foreign locomotives. “An Australian engine would not work,” he says. “The best sources for locomotives are former Soviet states in Eastern Europe.” The need for modern, high‑speed engines and automated alert systems has never been greater.
Human Stories Amid the Conflict
While statistics paint a grim picture, individual stories bring the crisis into focus. In a recent incident at Yahodyn station, a jet‑powered drone struck a locomotive just after passengers had been evacuated. Among those on board were former CIA director David Petraeus and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who were attending a conference in Kyiv. The attack sparked global headlines and underscored the risks that even high‑profile travelers face.
Despite such dangers, thousands of Ukrainians remain at their posts. Approximately 4.4 million Ukrainians have sought temporary protection in the European Union, with many others in Britain, the United States, and Australia. Those who stay, like Kudrich, demonstrate a profound commitment to keeping the nation’s lifelines operational.
What Comes Next?
Ukrainian Railways is actively seeking more locomotives and faster, automated alert systems to keep up with the rapid pace of drone attacks. Pertsovskyi emphasizes that “the rise of jet Shaheds means that the speed of decisions should be very fast.” The rail service continues to monitor threats and coordinate with air defence units to protect passengers and infrastructure.
As the war continues, the resilience of Ukraine’s rail workers remains a symbol of national determination. Their daily work ensures that people can travel, goods can be transported, and the country’s economy keeps moving forward—even under fire.
Key facts
- Ukrainian rail workers are known as ‘iron people’ and keep trains running despite drone attacks.
- Over 500 locomotives have been destroyed or damaged since 2022, with half occurring this year alone.
- Russian jet‑powered Shahed drones can reach Ukrainian territory from the Polish border, forcing faster alert systems.
- The rail network’s Soviet‑era gauge limits the import of foreign locomotives, complicating replacement efforts.
- High‑profile figures, including former CIA director David Petraeus, have been caught in drone strikes near Kyiv.
- Ukrainian Railways is seeking modern engines and automated alerts to adapt to evolving threats.
Why it matters
The story highlights the extraordinary resilience of Ukrainian rail workers who keep essential services running despite targeted attacks, underscoring the broader impact of the war on civilian infrastructure and daily life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nickname given to Ukrainian Railways employees?
They are called ‘iron people’ because of their resilience and the company’s name, which includes the word for iron.
Why can’t Ukrainian Railways import Australian locomotives?
The Ukrainian rail network uses a 1520 mm broad gauge inherited from the Soviet era, which is incompatible with standard Australian locomotives.
How has the alert system changed in response to new drone threats?
Alerts now trigger at 100 km instead of 50 km, giving crews a few minutes to stop trains and evacuate passengers.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Russia-Ukraine war: The ‘iron’ workers who keep Kyiv’s trains running under fire”
