Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s national railway company, has announced that freight transportation volumes will drop by 7% in 2025, reaching 160 million tonnes from 173 million tonnes in 2024. The company projects a modest recovery to 161 million tonnes in 2026. During a press briefing on November 7, the company highlighted these figures as part of its strategic outlook for the railway sector. The data reflects the challenges the company faces in maintaining current freight volumes amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
In an interview with journalists, Ukrzaliznytsia’s management emphasized that the projected decline is largely due to reduced industrial activity and lower demand for goods transport. They also noted that the gradual recovery in 2026 would depend on economic stabilization and increased investment in infrastructure projects. The company’s management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of the railway industry, despite the short-term challenges posed by the current economic climate.
The company’s announcement comes at a time when Ukraine’s economy is navigating complex challenges, including sanctions and reconstruction efforts. Analysts suggest that the decline in freight transport could have broader implications for the country’s logistics industry. As Ukrzaliznytsia works to adapt to these changes, the company is focusing on improving efficiency and exploring alternative revenue streams to sustain its operations in the face of declining freight volumes.