A passenger was killed after a Russian drone struck a commuter train in the Kharkiv region on Monday morning, Ukrainian railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia announced.
According to the company, the train was traveling on the Kharkiv–Slatine route, a town located approximately 13 kilometers from the Russian border.
The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office stated that the attack occurred around 5:20 a.m., when an FPV drone struck the train directly. As a result of the attack, a 61-year-old passenger died.
Passengers were evacuated to a shelter
Ukrzaliznytsia reported that the crew and passengers immediately headed to the shelter set up at the Slatine station after the danger alert was triggered.
The operator added that, according to preliminary information—which is to be verified by investigators—the passenger who lost his life did not evacuate to the shelter.
“We urge all passengers not to ignore safety rules and to strictly follow the instructions of railway personnel. We continue to provide services to communities near the front line—this is a complex mission that requires responsibility and mutual trust. Safety comes first,” Ukrzaliznytsia stated.
Attacks on railway infrastructure have intensified
According to the cited source, the attack comes amid intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian railway infrastructure, including passenger trains.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced that, starting on January 28, it has implemented additional security measures, including stopping trains and evacuating passengers when there is a risk of a direct attack.
The company also stated that, in the first four days of March, Russia struck Ukrainian railway infrastructure 18 times using drones and FPV drones, and 41 railway targets were damaged.
The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal investigation, classifying the case as a war crime resulting in the death of a person.
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