Finland to donate 10 blackout-proof locomotives to Ukraine

Finland will donate 10 locomotives and spare parts to Ukraine's state railway, Ukrzaliznytsia, free of charge, with the agreement signed on October 22 during a bilateral business forum. The donation aims to counter Russian strikes that have disabled nearly 600 Ukrainian locomotives. The locomotives are notable for their ability to operate without power from overhead contact lines, making them resilient during blackouts caused by Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. This capability is critical for maintaining passenger transport, evacuations, humanitarian aid delivery, and industrial exports. The agreement was signed at the Ukrainian-Finnish business forum with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo present. Ukraine is forming an international coalition to source used locomotives from partners, following initial commitments made at the "Carpathian Eight" summit.