Supporting Ukraine’s Independence Day

Supporting Ukraine’s Independence Day

Published 24 August 2022 | Average read time
3 min read
Stories Industry-leading Life at Network Rail
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We’re proud to support Independence Day in Ukraine on 24 August.

This year, it marks six months since the invasion by Russian forces and 31 years since declaring independence from the Soviet Union.

We have worked with colleagues in transport to give the country and its nationals practical help in the past several months.

In March, train operators worked together to provide support to Ukrainian arrivals by offering free onward travel to their final destinations in Britain.

The scheme complements offers made by the European Railway Family, to provide safe and free passage for Ukrainians.

Find out out more here.

Graphic for Ukraine's Independence Day showing a man and woman embracing, with the main text reading 'stand for freedom'

In April, we teamed up with the wider rail industry to send more than a million items of aid to Ukraine in response to the humanitarian crisis.

UK Rail for Ukraine brought together large quantities of humanitarian aid from across the country. The cross-industry initiative was set up by volunteers in February and sent a first aid train bound for Ukraine where it would be received by organisations working on the ground.

The special DB cargo service is carrying more than 1,500 tonnes of non-perishable food, hygiene and medical products, basic living equipment, and other needed supplies.

Many organisations across the country have donated the aid following requests from the Ukrainian authorities.

We would like to express our gratitude for local advice and information provided by the Ukrainian Logistics Alliance and Department for International Trade in Warsaw.

UK Rail for Ukraine infographic

In May, we shared how five of our colleagues had delivered vital equipment to keep the Ukrainian railway running.

The team of volunteers delivered a convoy of vehicles loaded with equipment to help keep the Ukrainian railway running.  

Ukrainian Railways, Ukrzaliznytsia, requested help from the international railway family via the International Union of Railways (UIC).

They needed equipment and spares to help keep their railway running to provide vital evacuation routes and humanitarian aid following the invasion by Russia. This was all while facing significant damage to railway infrastructure and obvious safety risks for workers. 

We donated four vehicles, loaded with spares and railway tools including generators, drills, jacks and cutting equipment. They were delivered on 16 May. We were able to heed the call with help from our partners in the supply chain.

Read more:

Ukrainian Displaced Persons Travel Scheme

International Union of Railways

Ukrainian Logistics Alliance