A Russian military freight train was reportedly blown off the tracks overnight on 31 May near the occupied village of Yakymivka in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, in what appears to be a significant act of sabotage targeting the Kremlin’s supply lines.
The train, carrying fuel tankers and cargo wagons, was heading towards Crimea when a powerful explosion struck the railway line. The derailment has disrupted what Ukrainian sources describe as a “key logistical artery” for Russian forces operating in southern Ukraine and the occupied peninsula.
Following the incident, Russian forces reportedly launched a manhunt, implementing a lockdown-style “interception plan” in surrounding settlements. Russian National Guard patrols were deployed, and local residents reported heightened scrutiny at checkpoints, particularly for anyone entering or leaving the area.
While Ukrainian officials have yet to comment directly, the operation appears to be part of an ongoing campaign to target Russian military logistics deep behind the front lines.
Attacks on rail infrastructure have been a persistent feature of Ukraine’s asymmetric response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, with partisans and special forces often blamed—or credited—for strikes designed to delay troop movements and fuel deliveries.
The extent of the damage and potential casualties remain unclear, but the psychological and operational impact for Russian forces in southern Ukraine may be considerable.