Ukraine Seizes Over 1,500 Russian Freight Cars for National Railway Use

Confiscated Railcars Now Under State Property Fund Management

According to Главком: Ukraine's State Property Fund has taken control of 1,592 confiscated Russian freight railcars, which will be transferred for operational use to the national railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia. This action was authorized by a decision of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council on July 2, 2025. The estimated value of these assets is approximately 2.2 billion hryvnias. This move is part of a broader legal strategy to repurpose Russian-owned assets within Ukraine for national needs.

Types of Railcars Seized

The confiscated rolling stock includes:

• Gondola cars
• Gas tankers
• Fitting platforms

All railcars are in working order and were previously owned by sanctioned Russian residents, including VEB-Leasing, the state development corporation VEB.RF, the Joint Stock Company State Transport Leasing Company, and the Joint Stock Company Nord, a subsidiary of Sberbank Leasing. Prior to the full-scale invasion in 2022, these cars were used for commercial freight transport across Ukraine and within the European Union. Following the outbreak of the war, the railcars remained on Ukrainian territory and were impounded. Notably, the number of court rulings confiscating assets from Russian companies has surged from 11,000 in 2023 to 31,000 in 2025.

“Ukraine has confiscated 1,592 railcars owned by Russia that were used for commercial freight. The government has decided to designate the State Property Fund as the manager of this property, with subsequent transfer for use to Ukrzaliznytsia.”

Yulia Svyrydenko, Government Representative

This decision marks a significant step in strengthening control over assets belonging to the aggressor state and highlights the growing practice of confiscating Russian assets in Ukraine. The freight cars, once used for commercial shipments, can now be integrated into Ukrainian infrastructure, helping to meet the country's transport needs, especially under wartime conditions. This initiative may serve as a precedent for further actions regarding Russia-linked assets.