Zelenskyy warns of ‘logistics terror’ as Russia hits Ukraine railway | News
On February 2, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new military orders in response to intensified Russian assaults on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, particularly following a deadly attack last week that killed five people in Kharkiv. This increase in strikes underscores Russia’s ongoing focus on targeting Ukraine’s logistical capabilities, with key railway hubs like Kupiansk and Pokrovsk becoming primary objectives.
Zelenskyy highlighted the threat, reporting recent attacks in the Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia regions specifically aimed at railway facilities. As a result, the state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, has issued warnings that several eastern routes are now classified as high-risk, suggesting that passengers use buses for safer travel. In the Sumy region, Ukrzaliznytsia indicated that it would closely monitor for drone threats, planning to halt train services near bomb shelters when necessary.
The situation remains dire as Russian drone and missile strikes continue to target civilian areas, culminating in a tragic incident that killed 12 miners on a bus. Additionally, ongoing bombardments have severely damaged Ukraine’s power grid, leaving many without essential services during the harsh winter.
Amid these escalating tensions, a new round of US-mediated peace talks is scheduled for this week in Abu Dhabi, following a brief delay. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that discussions would occur on Wednesday and Thursday, with Zelenskyy confirming that he would send a delegation. The US has been actively pushing both Ukraine and Russia towards a potential resolution, yet as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, breaking the stalemate on critical issues appears increasingly challenging.
Peskov acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, noting some progress has been made on certain issues, but significant disagreements remain. One major sticking point is regarding occupied Ukrainian territories, particularly in the eastern industrial regions, where Russia is seeking to secure control over land it has occupied and additional areas it has not yet taken. Ukraine, however, has firmly rejected any ceding of territory, arguing that doing so would embolden further Russian aggression and jeopardize national security.
Since the outset of the conflict, following a failed attempt to swiftly capture Kyiv in 2022, Russia has found itself mired in a prolonged struggle against resilient Ukrainian defenses. This has resulted in a costly stalemate, with both sides facing severe human and material losses.
In summary, as Russia ramps up its military operations against Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, Zelenskyy’s government remains on high alert, balancing immediate military responses with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at negotiating a resolution to the conflict. The situation underscores the intricate dynamics of warfare and diplomacy as both nations prepare for potentially pivotal discussions on the future of Ukraine.
