Ukrzaliznytsia has launched a new flagship train, the “Sakura,” which connects Kyiv and Uzhhorod and features new cars manufactured in Ukraine in 2026, according to a statement from the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development.
According to the Ministry’s press release on Tuesday, the new cars are equipped with security systems featuring surveillance cameras and include a number of passenger-friendly improvements: rechargeable batteries, additional amenities for traveling with children, inclusive design elements, and functional comfort features in the compartments.
The new flagship train departs on its maiden voyage from Kyiv to Uzhhorod today, April 28.
“In total, Japan has already provided Ukraine with over $15 billion in financial, humanitarian, and technical aid. “Within the framework of grant programs, we are coordinating four phases of emergency recovery totaling approximately $700 million and expect to sign the next phase for an additional $40 million,” Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba is quoted as saying in the release.
It is noted that with JICA’s assistance, Ukraine received approximately 28,000 tons of rails manufactured by Nippon Steel and dozens of units of specialized equipment, which allowed for the renewal of about 200 km of tracks on key routes.
The Ministry of Development added that 12 train cars feature cherry blossom petal branding.
In addition, passengers on the train will have access to an online portal about Japanese culture, architecture, and art, and will also be able to explore elements of Japanese cuisine, board games, and joint Ukrainian-Japanese cultural projects.
As previously reported, Ukrzaliznytsia received the first six of 100 new passenger cars ordered in 2025 from PJSC Kryukiv Railway Car Building Works (KVBZ).
The total contract value is approximately 6.5 billion UAH, and funding is provided from the state budget.
Deliveries are expected to continue in phases until May 2028, and 60 such cars will be ready by the end of 2026.
According to Serbian Economist, the Czech Škoda Group has confirmed plans to localize the production of both trains and trams in Serbia, with MIND Park in Kragujevac being considered as the site for such a project. The company announced this in a comment to N1 following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with MIND Group.
Škoda stated that its strategy in the Serbian market is geared toward a long-term presence in the sustainable transport segment and includes not only the supply of rolling stock but also maintenance, as well as long-term availability of spare parts. To strengthen its local presence, the company has decided to transfer part of the production of solutions for the Serbian market to its partner’s site—the MIND Group.
The company clarified that it intends to localize the production of both trams and trains. This includes, in particular, trams that could be manufactured to Belgrade’s specifications, as well as electric trains for suburban, regional, and cross-border service on the Serbian railway network.
Škoda explains that the localization of the full production cycle depends on the volume of orders and investments. At the same time, the company explicitly states that Serbia is viewed as a priority market in the Western Balkans, particularly due to a large-scale investment program in railway infrastructure. The company also confirmed that it is in contact with the Serbian Development Agency regarding investment incentives.
The issue is particularly relevant for Belgrade amid protracted procurement processes for new urban rolling stock. Tenders for new trams in recent years have either been suspended or faced complaints from bidders. At the same time, Škoda stated that it is reviewing the recently announced tender for the procurement of 60 new trolleybuses, although it is not commenting on ongoing commercial negotiations.
The Škoda Group is one of the largest Czech manufacturers of rail transport and urban mobility solutions. The company produces trams, electric trains, trolleybuses, and related transport technologies; in 2024, it secured new orders worth €1.7 billion and significantly increased its EBITDA while continuing to expand in European markets.
MIND Group is a Serbian industrial group developing the MIND Park industrial zone in Kragujevac as a cluster for mechanical engineering, logistics, and high-tech manufacturing. The partnership with Škoda aims to strengthen the park’s position as a hub for the localization of complex transportation industry operations in Serbia.
Taxi services are introducing discounted fares for Ukrzaliznytsia passengers arriving at stations in large cities during curfew hours, the company’s press service reported.
Ukrzaliznytsia approached Uklon and Bolt with a proposal to support passengers arriving in large cities after midnight, primarily due to delays caused by enemy shelling and route changes. The initiative was launched immediately after both services received permission to operate during curfew in Kyiv,” the company said in a statement.
It is noted that both ride-hailing services accepted the offer. In particular, Uklon provided each passenger with a discount on a night trip from the train station in Kyiv to their home. The promo code will be valid from 11:15 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. It can be obtained by exchanging it for a “hug” in the Ukrzaliznytsia app. Each user can use the special promo code once during the night.
In case of train delays, Bolt increases the number of cars in the area of train stations and keeps prices under control. In addition, Bolt & Visa has a special offer with a 50% discount on trips to/from train stations, valid around the clock.
Bolt has also provided railway workers with promo codes for trips on official routes.
Ukrzaliznytsia added that it is open to new partnerships to support passengers in difficult times.
A number of suburban trains in Ukraine are being delayed due to the security situation and voltage fluctuations, according to Ukrzaliznytsia.
“For security reasons, the departure of a number of suburban trains in the Korosten direction is being delayed. In particular, the departure of trains No. 6610 Korosten – Borshchahivka and No. 6606 Malyn – Kyiv is delayed indefinitely. As soon as the situation allows, we will proceed,” Ukrzaliznytsia said in a statement on its Telegram channel on Tuesday.
Regional train No. 886/885 Slavutych – Kyiv-Volynsky is delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes. Train No. 6603 Sviatoshyn – Teterev is departing from Irpin station with a delay of 53 minutes.
In the Kharkiv region, trains on the Merefa-Kharkiv section in the direction of Kharkiv are delayed due to voltage fluctuations in the network.
Given the security situation today, 13 January, some suburban trains in the Zhytomyr region will not be running temporarily. These are: No. 6450 Korosten – Ovruch and No. 6453 Ovruch – Korosten.
According to Serbian Economist, regular rail service between Belgrade and Budapest will start on February 20: passengers will once again be able to travel between the two capitals by train without changing trains. After modernization, the line is designed for train speeds of up to 160 km/h, which significantly reduces travel time and makes the train competitive with road transport.
In fact, this is not only about the “return of the train” between the two capitals, but also about Serbia’s inclusion in the wider Central Europe-Balkans-Aegean Sea transport corridor. Belgrade is gaining a stronger role as a transit hub for freight and passenger flows, and the route is becoming more attractive for logistics and industrial projects.
https://t.me/relocationrs/1894
Train #99/100 Kyiv-Bucharest, despite massive attacks on Ukrainian critical and civilian infrastructure, has set off on its maiden voyage together with a hundred passengers, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction – Minister of Community and Territory Development Oleksiy Kuleba said.
“Despite massive attacks on Ukrainian critical and civilian infrastructure by Russia, Ukrzaliznytsia trains are departing on schedule. Thus, train No. 99/100 Kiev-Bucharest departed on its first trip clearly on schedule,” Kuleba wrote in his Telegram channel on Friday.
According to him, the new train will run daily on the route Kiev-Bucharest through Vinnitsa, Zhmerinka, Mogilev-Podilskyi. Border control will take place in the towns of Velchinets and Ungheni.
It is noted that the train arrives at the main station of the capital of Romania – Gara de Nord.
Separately, Kuleba specified that from Kiev the train will depart from the Central Station at 06:30 and arrive in Bucharest at 06:47 the next day.
In the opposite direction, according to the schedule, it will depart from Gara de Nord station at 19:10 and arrive in Kiev at 19:34 the next day.
“Even during the war, Ukraine continues to move forward – literally and symbolically”, – added the Deputy Prime Minister for recovery.
As previously reported, “Ukrzaliznytsia” from October 10 launches a daily train on the route Kiev-Bucharest. The cost of a ticket in a compartment car is approximately UAH 3,800. You can already buy tickets in the application or on the website of “Ukrzaliznytsia”.
