Ukrainian state railways, Ukrzaliznytsia, the country’s largest cargo carrier, reported on Tuesday that a large-scale cyberattack had disrupted its online freight services. The issue was first noticed on Sunday when the company informed passengers about an IT system failure. As a result, passengers were advised to purchase tickets directly at stations or on trains.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, trains have played a crucial role in transportation within the country and abroad. They have been vital for passenger travel as well as for the delivery of weapons, fuel, and other essential equipment. The cyberattack has significantly impacted freight operations, and the company is working to restore services as quickly as possible.
In an update on Facebook, Ukrzaliznytsia stated, “In addition to passenger services, our IT specialists and partners are working to restore freight services.” To mitigate disruptions, the company temporarily reverted to paper-based documentation and promptly informed its customers about the change. All railway employees have been instructed on how to manage operations under these conditions.
A Ukrainian security official and a senior government source, both speaking anonymously, suggested that Russia was likely behind the attack. While no official statement has been released regarding the perpetrators, cyberattacks on Ukrainian infrastructure have been a persistent issue since the war began.
Despite the cyber disruption, Ukrzaliznytsia continues to provide commercial companies with clear instructions on how to order wagons, dispatch shipments to export ports, and transport goods across the western border. The railway company is committed to maintaining cargo transportation, ensuring that essential supplies continue to reach their destinations.
The attack on Ukrzaliznytsia is the latest in a series of cyber offensives targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. In recent years, cyber warfare has become an integral part of the ongoing conflict, with both public and private entities in Ukraine facing frequent digital assaults. The Ukrainian government, along with international cybersecurity partners, is working to enhance the country’s resilience against such threats.
Ukrzaliznytsia is actively cooperating with cybersecurity experts to assess the extent of the damage and implement stronger security measures to prevent future incidents. While passenger services have been partially restored, efforts are still underway to fully recover freight operations. The company remains determined to overcome this challenge and ensure the smooth movement of goods and passengers across Ukraine.
As the situation develops, authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full impact of the cyberattack and hold those responsible accountable. In the meantime, Ukrzaliznytsia is focused on stabilizing its operations and minimizing disruptions for businesses and travelers who rely on its railway network.
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