Coordinated Assault Targets Ukraine’s Rail Network
On May 13, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack against Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, recording 23 strikes on rail facilities including bridges, passenger stations, and carriage and locomotive depots. The bombardments occurred across western, northern, and central regions of the country, specifically in Zakarpattia, Lviv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Volyn, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.
Tragically, two civilians—both railway employees—lost their lives in Zdolbuniv as a result of the assault. Oleksii Kuleba, a local administration official, stated:
'Passengers and railway workers were evacuated from their workplaces in advance, so there were no casualties among them. However, we unfortunately suffered losses among civilians in the railway town of Zdolbuniv. There, a Russian strike killed two passersby who were railway employees.' - Oleksii Kuleba
Cities Under Fire and Infrastructure Threats
Other cities that came under attack include:
- Lutsk
- Kovel
- Kolomyia
- Khmelnytskyi
- Ivano-Frankivsk
During the first wave, the aggressor deployed a substantial number of attack drones and is also expected to use air- and sea-launched cruise missiles, as well as ballistic missiles. Russia’s primary targets remain critical infrastructure and life-support systems in major cities, underscoring the grave threat to civilians and Ukraine’s economy.
This strike is part of Russia’s ongoing campaign to destabilize Ukraine, particularly by damaging key infrastructure assets. Such actions can severely hinder population mobility and the supply of goods, impacting the country’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens. These bombardments highlight the urgent need to protect civilian infrastructure and the importance of international support to ensure Ukraine’s security.
In light of the recent strikes on Ukraine's railway network, it is crucial to note that the escalation of attacks is not limited to infrastructure. Civilians are increasingly at risk, as demonstrated by a recent incident in Ivano-Frankivsk where a drone strike targeted a residential building, further intensifying fears among the population. For a deeper understanding of the ongoing threats to civilian safety, read more about this alarming incident here.