Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Rail Freight Nationwide

Drone strikes continue to cause major freight delays across Russia, severely affecting logistics as Russian Railways faces its worst operational crisis in over a decade. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Freight volumes on Russia’s railway network fell by 9.4% year-over-year by May 2025, doubling the record 4.1% decline seen in 2024. Nearly all cargo categories posted losses.

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Coal transport dropped 3.4%, while oil and petroleum products decreased by 5.8%. Container shipping fell by 6.2%. The sharpest declines hit construction materials and grain—down 20.7% and 34.8%, respectively.

Drone Strikes Halt Rail Traffic and Disrupt Operations

Drone strikes directly interrupt train operations, halting rail traffic entirely during attacks. Internal sources confirmed that these disruptions happen frequently and cripple key transport corridors.

The network, already under pressure from military logistics, has become gridlocked. Thousands of freight trains remain idle, creating logistical chaos across the country.

Drone Strikes Compound Sanctions and Labor Crisis

Beyond drone strikes, economic sanctions, export issues, and a labor shortage worsened by mobilization have added to the collapse. Spare part shortages have intensified due to import restrictions.

Falling revenue and high interest rates forced Russian Railways to cut its 2025 investment budget by nearly 40%, slashing it from ₽1.3 trillion to approximately $14.9 billion.

Last year, the government provided ₽162 billion in aid, but this year’s request for ₽60 billion (about $690 million) was rejected by the Finance Ministry.

Major exporters have reduced shipments via rail due to financial constraints and international market volatility. This marks the third consecutive year of declining freight volumes.

The Kremlin’s grand plan to build new lines through Siberia to connect to Asian markets has stalled. The cut in capital investment threatens long-term infrastructure stability and export capacity.

Source, photo: censor.net

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