Supporting Ukraine’s rail passengers through crisis

Ukraine’s railway network has become a critical lifeline during the war, moving civilians, delivering aid, and connecting communities across vast distances. It has also become a target.

In 2025 alone, railway infrastructure was attacked nearly 1,200 times – more than in the previous two years combined. Passenger trains have increasingly been caught in these strikes, leading to repeated civilian casualties and turning ordinary travel into a high-risk experience.

When a threat is detected, trains are ordered to halt. What follows is a carefully orchestrated response: conductors alert passengers to prepare, gather essential belongings, and stay calm. Sometimes, trains stop at stations equipped with shelters. But often, they halt in open areas. Passengers are told to move away from the tracks, lie face down, and shield themselves from potential blasts.

These “safety stops” have become part of daily reality, frequently happening in the middle of the night, sometimes in freezing conditions, and always with little warning.

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) has adapted rapidly to protect passengers. More than 4,000 train crew members have been trained to carry out evacuations quickly and efficiently, while also providing psychological first aid to those in distress. In these high-stress situations, even the smallest tools can make a life-saving difference.

That’s where All Hands and Hearts (AH&H) has stepped in.

AH&H has supported Ukrainian Railways by equipping passenger trains with evacuation kits that contain flashlights, whistles, loudspeakers, raincoats, blankets, and fluorescent sticks. These items may seem simple, but in moments of confusion, darkness, and fear, they help crews communicate clearly, guide passengers safely, and provide immediate relief.

It’s practical support designed for real conditions, helping ensure that when the unexpected happens, both passengers and crews are better prepared.

And for many passengers, the hardship begins long before they step onboard.

Families evacuating from areas like Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and Barvinkove often travel by bus to reach Lozova Station. These are long, difficult journeys, taken by parents with young children, elderly individuals, and people leaving behind homes and communities.

By the time they arrive at the station, exhaustion has already set in. Delays are common. Conditions are unpredictable. And for families with children, the strain is even greater.

Recognizing this, AH&H extended its support beyond the trains themselves. As part of a station rebuild, AH&H helped create a dedicated children’s rest and play area at Lozova Station, a simple but meaningful space designed to support families during long and uncertain waits.

Here, children can play, laugh, and momentarily forget the stress of the journey. Parents can stay too to regain a bit of energy before continuing on.

For families navigating displacement and uncertainty, even a small sense of normalcy can make a profound difference.