Volodymyr Varbanets
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Ukraine nearly out of reserve locomotives as Russian strikes hit rail and port infrastructure
Ukraine has nearly exhausted its reserve of locomotives after sustained Russian attacks on railway infrastructure, prompting talks with European partners using the same rail gauge for replacements. The shortage comes as Black Sea ports — historically responsible for around 80% of Ukrainian agricultural exports — have been paralyzed by strikes, leaving rail and Dan exports racing to absorb the volume. Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy Taras Vysotsky estimates the country could lose at least $8 billion in exports between June 2026 and June 2027 if ports remain closed.