Finland will gratuitously transfer 10 locomotives and related spare parts to Ukrzaliznytsia to maintain transport links. The relevant agreement was signed on October 22 during the Ukrainian-Finnish business forum in the presence of leaders from both countries.
Details of the Agreement Signing and Forum Participants
The document was officially formalized during the plenary session of the Ukrainian-Finnish business forum. The event was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and leading representatives of Finnish business circles. The transfer of equipment is carried out as part of international support for Ukrainian infrastructure.
Condition of the Railway Fleet and Traction Shortage
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian aggressor has deliberately targeted Ukraine's transport network. According to the Ministry of Restoration, Infrastructure, and Transport, nearly 600 Ukrzaliznytsia locomotives have been damaged or destroyed over this period, including over 300 diesel locomotives. Restoring such equipment requires significant financial resources and time, while some units are beyond repair.
Advantages of Finnish Locomotives During Power Outages
The diesel locomotives received from Finland are capable of operating autonomously without power from the overhead catenary system. This is critically important amid regular strikes on energy infrastructure and large-scale power interruptions, as it allows railway transport to remain stable. Ukraine is actively forming an international coalition to replenish its rolling stock fleet, the foundations of which were laid at the Carpathian Eight summit.
Significance of the Supplies for Ukraine's Transport System
The new batch of locomotives will help partially close the acute shortage of traction caused by ongoing shelling. Against the backdrop of continuing attacks on the railway and energy facilities, including recent strikes on infrastructure in Poltava and the western regions of the country, autonomous Finnish diesel locomotives will become a crucial element in maintaining the state's logistical resilience.
