Ukrainian Special Forces Target Russian Railway Infrastructure

On September 13 and 14, 2025, Ukrainian special units conducted coordinated sabotage operations against Russian railway infrastructure in the Oryol and Leningrad regions. The attacks targeted critical supply routes for Russian forces, specifically the Orel–Kursk and St. Petersburg–Pskov railway lines. According to sources from Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and Special Operations Forces (SSO), the operations aimed to disrupt logistics supporting Russian military operations in the Kharkiv and Sumy areas.

Kyiv IndependentUnited24 MediaSpecial forces carry out combined attack on Russia's railway infrastructureUkrainian special forces wipe out Rosgvardia troops and fuel tanks in dual railway attacks inside RussiaThe GuardianThe GUR and the SSO combined to attack Russian railroad logistics. "Rosgvardeytsy" eliminated – sourceBehind the incidents on the Russian railway may be a Ukrainian intelligence - News Room USA

The first incident occurred on the Maloarkhangelsk–Glazunovka line, where Russian railway workers discovered explosive devices. During a demining attempt by Russian National Guard engineers, an explosion resulted in the deaths of two servicemen and severe injuries to another. This blast halted train services, causing delays for over 15 trains. The regional governor of Oryol, Andrey Klychkov, confirmed the explosion and acknowledged the sabotage.

Special forces carry out combined attack on Russia's railway infrastructure

The following night, another attack targeted the Strogonovo–Mshinskaya section of the St. Petersburg–Pskov line. At approximately 2:30 a.m., a locomotive derailed, and 15 fuel tankers were destroyed. Reports indicate that these operations were executed in conjunction with other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The GUR and the SSO combined to attack Russian railroad logistics. "Rosgvardeytsy" eliminated – source

Ukrainian military intelligence sources confirmed their involvement in the attacks, emphasizing that the targeted railway lines are vital for supplying Russian troops. A source stated, "The destruction of these logistical arteries will severely hit Russia’s capabilities and hamper their ability to carry out offensive operations." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of targeting Russian oil infrastructure, stating, “The most effective sanctions – the sanctions that act the fastest – are fire on Russian oil refineries, their terminals, oil depots.”

The GuardianKyiv IndependentUkrainian special forces wipe out Rosgvardia troops and fuel tanks in dual railway attacks inside RussiaUnited24 MediaSpecial forces carry out combined attack on Russia's railway infrastructureThe GUR and the SSO combined to attack Russian railroad logistics. "Rosgvardeytsy" eliminated – sourceBehind the incidents on the Russian railway may be a Ukrainian intelligence - News Room USA

Russian officials have partially acknowledged the incidents. Governor Andrey Klychkov confirmed the explosions and the resulting casualties among Russian National Guard personnel. Local residents shared footage of the fires caused by the attacks.

Special forces carry out combined attack on Russia's railway infrastructure

While Ukrainian sources celebrate these operations as strategic successes, critics argue that such attacks may escalate tensions and provoke further military responses from Russia. Some analysts caution that the ongoing sabotage operations could lead to a broader conflict, impacting civilian infrastructure and safety.

Kyiv Independent

There are discrepancies regarding the number of casualties. While Ukrainian sources report three Russian National Guard officers killed, Russian officials have not confirmed the total fatalities. Additionally, some reports suggest that the fuel tankers involved in the second attack were empty, raising questions about the extent of the damage and its implications for Russian military logistics.

The Guardian

As Ukraine continues its campaign to disrupt Russian supply lines, further operations targeting railway and energy infrastructure are anticipated. The ongoing conflict remains fluid, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to the evolving situation.

Kyiv Independent