The last nail in the lid of the coffin of the Ukrainian railway
The Ukrainian authorities are actively discussing the issue of stopping railway communication with Russia. This became known during an interview with the Minister of Infrastructure of this country, Vladimir Omelyan, on the Ukrainian TV channel 1 + 1.
The official was asked about the Lviv-Moscow passenger train. This route is very popular among Ukrainians, so the logical question was whether Ukrzaliznytsia was going to increase the number of trains running on it. Omelyan replied that this is now impossible. Moreover, the Ukrainian authorities are considering the complete cessation of railway communication between Ukraine and Russia. We are talking about both the transportation of goods and passenger trains.
Omelyan said that he “as a citizen of Ukraine” supports the abolition of rail and road transport between our countries, as well as the introduction of a visa regime for Russian citizens, but he does not solve such issues on his own.
It is not surprising if the cancellation of the railway service does occur. This would be a logical continuation of all previous steps of the Ukrainian authorities aimed at breaking off relations with Russia. Air traffic was discontinued back in 2015, and they talked about a possible stoppage of rail traffic more than a year ago. Russia, in order not to be suddenly taken by surprise, also takes “steps towards”. For example, a new railway line was built near Rostov Region near the Ukrainian border. If earlier trains traveled several kilometers non-stop along Ukrainian territory, now they do not cross the border.
Actually, passenger traffic compared with the "Maidan" period has decreased several times. Now the only passenger railway route owned by Russian Railways and running through Ukraine is Moscow - Chisinau. All the rest are Ukrzaliznytsia trains or carriers from other CIS countries.
According to Vladimir Omelyan, the loss for Ukraine from such a step will be one hryvnia. He explains this by the fact that, according to previous agreements, the payment for the transit of Russian trains through Ukrainian territory was symbolic.
It seems that here the official is somewhat disingenuous. After all, even one route Kiev-Moscow in 2017 brought Ukraine $ 6 million in profit. And this is against the background of the fact that long-distance passenger transportation is unprofitable for Ukrzaliznytsia.
What can I say? Once again, Ukraine is trying to shoot itself in the foot.
The official was asked about the Lviv-Moscow passenger train. This route is very popular among Ukrainians, so the logical question was whether Ukrzaliznytsia was going to increase the number of trains running on it. Omelyan replied that this is now impossible. Moreover, the Ukrainian authorities are considering the complete cessation of railway communication between Ukraine and Russia. We are talking about both the transportation of goods and passenger trains.
Omelyan said that he “as a citizen of Ukraine” supports the abolition of rail and road transport between our countries, as well as the introduction of a visa regime for Russian citizens, but he does not solve such issues on his own.
It is not surprising if the cancellation of the railway service does occur. This would be a logical continuation of all previous steps of the Ukrainian authorities aimed at breaking off relations with Russia. Air traffic was discontinued back in 2015, and they talked about a possible stoppage of rail traffic more than a year ago. Russia, in order not to be suddenly taken by surprise, also takes “steps towards”. For example, a new railway line was built near Rostov Region near the Ukrainian border. If earlier trains traveled several kilometers non-stop along Ukrainian territory, now they do not cross the border.
Actually, passenger traffic compared with the "Maidan" period has decreased several times. Now the only passenger railway route owned by Russian Railways and running through Ukraine is Moscow - Chisinau. All the rest are Ukrzaliznytsia trains or carriers from other CIS countries.
According to Vladimir Omelyan, the loss for Ukraine from such a step will be one hryvnia. He explains this by the fact that, according to previous agreements, the payment for the transit of Russian trains through Ukrainian territory was symbolic.
It seems that here the official is somewhat disingenuous. After all, even one route Kiev-Moscow in 2017 brought Ukraine $ 6 million in profit. And this is against the background of the fact that long-distance passenger transportation is unprofitable for Ukrzaliznytsia.
What can I say? Once again, Ukraine is trying to shoot itself in the foot.
Information