On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine took another grim turn as Russian forces launched a series of attacks targeting railway infrastructure in the central Poltava region, wounding at least five people and causing widespread disruption. According to officials cited by Arab News, the assault left one person injured and ignited fires in the Myrhorod district, a development confirmed by regional governor Volodymyr Kohut via the Telegram messaging app.
The Ukrainian state railways operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, reported that the attack temporarily cut power to several railway stations in the region. This, in turn, led to significant delays for passenger trains—some waiting up to three hours before resuming their journeys. The disruption underscored the vulnerability of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure amid the persistent hostilities that have marked the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Thursday’s violence was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of Russian strikes against Ukraine’s transportation network. In recent months leading up to September 2025, Russian forces have intensified their campaign against Ukrainian rail infrastructure, hitting key hubs in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions and causing further disruptions in the Kirovohrad region. The repeated targeting of railways is widely seen as a strategic effort to cripple Ukraine’s ability to move troops, civilians, and vital supplies across the country.
The attacks on Thursday did not end with the railway system. Later that evening, a drone strike damaged a fuel station in the Poltava region, sparking a fire and injuring four more people, according to Ukrainian emergency services. The cumulative toll of these attacks highlights the ongoing risks faced by civilians and the immense pressure on Ukraine’s emergency response capabilities.
The Ukrainian air force responded to the onslaught by intercepting a significant number of incoming drones. According to military officials, Ukrainian air defenses shot down 48 out of 75 drones launched by Russia during the night. However, despite these efforts, 26 drones managed to hit six different locations, causing further damage and anxiety among the local population.
This latest wave of attacks comes at a time when the broader conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, with both sides seeking to gain the upper hand through a mixture of direct military engagement and indirect tactics targeting infrastructure. Railways, in particular, have become a focal point in Russia’s efforts to undermine Ukraine’s logistical resilience. As Ukrzaliznytsia explained, even temporary disruptions can have cascading effects, delaying not only passenger movement but also the transport of humanitarian aid, military equipment, and essential goods.
For residents of the Poltava region, Thursday’s attacks brought fresh reminders of the perils of war. Fires broke out in the Myrhorod district, forcing emergency workers to scramble to contain the blazes and assist the wounded. The sense of vulnerability is palpable, as even seemingly routine activities like boarding a train or stopping at a fuel station now carry heightened risks.
Governor Volodymyr Kohut’s updates on Telegram served as a lifeline for many, providing real-time information about the unfolding situation. His confirmation of the injuries and the extent of the fires underscored the seriousness of the attacks. Meanwhile, the prompt response by emergency services—who managed to extinguish fires and evacuate the injured—offered a measure of reassurance to a population weary from months of violence.
In the background, Ukrainian authorities have been racing to repair damaged infrastructure and restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Ukrzaliznytsia’s teams worked through the night to restore power to affected stations and minimize delays. Still, the psychological impact of the attacks lingers, as each new strike erodes confidence in the safety of public spaces and essential services.
The broader context for these attacks is a conflict that has shown little sign of abating. In the months leading up to September 2025, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted not just military assets but also civilian infrastructure, drawing condemnation from Ukrainian officials and international observers alike. The strategy appears aimed at wearing down Ukraine’s capacity to resist by inflicting both material and psychological harm.
For the Ukrainian air force, the successful interception of dozens of drones was a testament to the country’s improving air defense capabilities. Yet, the fact that more than two dozen drones managed to hit their targets illustrates the sheer scale and persistence of Russian attacks. Each new wave tests the limits of Ukraine’s defenses and the resilience of its people.
The attacks on railway infrastructure are particularly concerning given Ukraine’s reliance on trains for both civilian and military logistics. With roads often impassable or too dangerous due to ongoing fighting, railways have become the backbone of movement across the country. Disruptions in one region can ripple outward, affecting everything from the delivery of medical supplies to the evacuation of vulnerable populations.
In recent months, the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions have borne the brunt of Russian strikes on transportation hubs. The Kirovohrad region has also experienced significant disruptions, further straining Ukraine’s ability to coordinate defense and relief efforts. Each attack forces Ukrainian officials to allocate scarce resources toward repairs and emergency response, diverting attention from other pressing needs.
The drone attack on the Poltava fuel station added another layer of complexity to the crisis. Fuel supplies are critical not just for civilian mobility but also for powering generators, ambulances, and military vehicles. Damage to fuel infrastructure can have far-reaching consequences, especially as Ukraine heads into the colder months when energy demands spike.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian officials remain defiant. The rapid response to Thursday’s attacks—both in terms of air defense and emergency services—demonstrates a commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining essential services under extraordinary circumstances. Yet, the recurring nature of these assaults raises difficult questions about how long such resilience can be sustained in the face of relentless pressure.
For now, life in the Poltava region and beyond continues under the shadow of war. Each new attack is a reminder of the stakes involved and the human cost of a conflict that shows no sign of resolution. As officials and ordinary citizens alike pick up the pieces, the hope remains that international attention and support will help Ukraine weather the storm and, eventually, rebuild.