24 February 2023: Today marks one year since the start of Russia’s brutal invasion, and the Global Ukraine Rail Task Force pledges to continue its efforts to strengthen the Ukraine Rail sector. We look back with a sense of disbelief at the horrors the people of Ukraine have had to endure this past year. At the same time, we recognise with great pride the bravery courage and endurance Ukrainians have demonstrated. They have inspired the world as they continue to overcome all odds.

Our Task Force members salute the rail system, Ukraine’s Second Army, as well as the “Iron Family” that runs it. Their skill, determination and courage under fire is unimaginable.

With the airspace closed, rail is now the chief option for moving food, equipment, arms and refugees as well as diplomats and Heads of state. Over 4 million refugees, one million of them children, have been moved safely and with remarkable kindness. Heads of state, most recently Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and US President Joe Biden travelled by rail. This “Iron Diplomacy” with face-to-face negotiation has solidified the support of the global democracies.

The stations and tracks have been under increasing Russian fire for a year, leaving 356 employees killed and hundreds more injured. As soon as these tracks are taken out, they are repaired almost instantaneously by Ukrainian crews who risk their lives to do so.

In the long term, the Task Force is looking to a New Marshall Plan to reorient the entire rail sector network towards the European Union and away from its previous integration with Russia. 

We recognise the leadership of Ukrainian Railways (UZ) CEO Alexander Kamyshin and all his UZ teammates as well as the people of the private freight companies who are moving volumes of passengers and/or freight in the face of war every day. These heroes are performing at the most remarkable levels of professionalism.

In addition, we are so grateful for the monetary donations from around the world to our current donation campaign to support the families of injured or killed railway workers:

https://www.we-aid.org/en/initiatives/allrail-support-ukraine-rail-task-force/

We look forward to victory for Ukraine and for rebuilding the country with a rail network stronger than ever before!