News / Ukrainian counter invasion adds to pressure on Russian rail freight services

© Christopher Rawlins

Ukraine’s unexpected counter invasion has put further strain on Russia’s rail freight sector, which continues to lose ground as European shippers seek alternative capacity for Chinese exports.

Russian Railways (RZD) is now reportedly rejecting freight services from Belarus, after an influx of Russian soldiers by train into Kursk – part of which has been occupied by Ukrainian forces – led to congestion on tracks and overcrowding at stations.

Local reports, citing the Union of Belarusian Railroad ...