“Ukrzaliznytsia” has lost 49% of freight traffic over the past four years and can no longer cover the losses of the passenger segment using those funds. This was stated by Serhiy Leshchenko, Deputy Head of the company’s Supervisory Board, at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada on November 5.

He emphasized the necessity of a phased increase in freight tariffs in 2026 — by 27.5% starting in January and by another 11% starting in July.

“Indexation is inevitable, but it should be carried out gradually, avoiding shocks to the industry,” Leshchenko said.

According to him, this will allow for an additional UAH 22.5 billion to be raised and at least bring the tariffs closer to the producer price index.

The company’s financial condition remains critical: the net loss for nine months of 2025 is UAH 7.2 billion, and losses from passenger transportation in 2024 are UAH 18 billion. The situation is complicated by the loss of the Donetsk region’s coal industry and over 800 attacks on infrastructure, which damaged 3,000 objects.

The draft state budget for 2026 allocates UAH 3 billion for railway support. Leshchenko emphasized: “Losses can only be compensated at the expense of taxpayers.”