Sakura Train Set to Roll
On April 28, 2026, a brand-new train named Sakura will make its inaugural journey between Kyiv and Uzhhorod. This service replaces the upgraded No. 81 train and features newly built Ukrainian-made passenger cars from 2026, modernized at Ukrzaliznytsia's facilities. The project has been made possible with backing from the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Investments Driving Rail Modernization
In February 2026, partners delivered 3,000 tons of Japanese-made R-65 rail to Ukrzaliznytsia, valued at roughly $4 million. Between 2023 and 2024, the railway also received:
- 25,000 tons of rail;
- 27 pieces of machinery, totaling $42 million.
These contributions have significantly bolstered Ukraine's rail infrastructure.
Additionally, 12 cars of the Sakura train have been branded with cherry blossom petals, highlighting the Japanese origin of support. Ukrzaliznytsia has also added the first six new passenger cars built domestically this year to its fleet, part of a 100-car order placed in 2025 with the Kryukiv Railway Car Building Plant. The contract is worth around 6.5 billion hryvnias, funded by the state budget. Deliveries will continue through May 2028, with 60 cars expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Notably, Ukrzaliznytsia is also expanding its fleet with six new children's compartment cars. The first three have already entered service on the Lviv-Odesa and Kharkiv-Ivano-Frankivsk routes. Furthermore, starting May 1, 2026, women-only carriages will be introduced on 18 routes, including trains from Kharkiv and Lviv to Odesa, and from Lviv to Kyiv.
'This train is a symbol of friendship and gratitude to the Japanese people for their systematic support of Ukraine and its railways. Just recently, in February 2026, our partners gave us 3,000 tons of Japanese-made R-65 rail worth about $4 million, and from 2023-2024 we received another 25,000 tons of rail plus 27 pieces of construction and loading equipment valued at $42 million. This is tangible, not just rhetorical, support that now culminates in this symbolic train. It is even more symbolic that part of its route will run on Japanese rails.'
The launch of the Sakura train marks a major milestone for Ukrainian rail development, especially in the context of international cooperation with Japan. Assistance in the form of new rails and equipment not only enhances infrastructure but also embodies the growing friendship between the two nations. Alongside this, the modernization of carriages and the introduction of new routes—including those tailored for women and children—demonstrate Ukrzaliznytsia's commitment to making travel more comfortable and safer for all passengers.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance passenger comfort and safety, Ukrzaliznytsia is also introducing innovative children's carriages designed in a fairy tale theme. This initiative complements the launch of the Sakura train, underscoring the commitment to modernize and diversify Ukraine's rail services for all passengers.