How Ukraine's vast rail network has helped carry nation's morale
Ukraine's railway network has become an important source of morale for the country and has significantly helped its war effort, a rail expert has said.
Christian Wolmar, author of the book Engines of War, has outlined the railway network's significant role during war times, including in Ukraine's conflict with Russia.
Despite expectations that technology would override the significance of railways, the modern-day conflict is proving to be an exception.
Mr Wolmar said: "In my book Engines of War, which I wrote a few years ago, I've covered all the wars from basically the Crimean War to the Vietnam War and, in all those, the railways played an important part.
"Particularly in the American Civil War, the First World War and even the Second World War.
"But, after that, I thought the railways ought to be superseded by then, because of guided missiles, and you didn't need to carry tanks around so much and so on. And yet, I was completely wrong."
The 22,000km Ukrainian railway system has been instrumental in transporting supplies and soldiers to the frontline and helped evacuate thousands of civilians.
During the Russian invasion, pieces of infrastructure, including power, water and railway lines were targeted. However, the railway systems have remained operational.
In April 2022, a Russian attack on Kramatorsk railway station killed more than 50 people, an act condemned by the international community.
Mr Wolmar added: "It's a really unexpected story, because we really expected that railways would not have such a major role in a 21st-century conflict, yet they have been absolutely vital.
"One aspect I haven't mentioned, is they've been vital in terms of morale.
"Keeping the railway network going has been a source of great pride for the Ukrainians and it's an aspect of normal life that continues to function."
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