Ukrainian special units reportedly carried out coordinated sabotage operations against Russian railway infrastructure in Oryol and Leningrad regions on September 13–14, targeting key supply routes for Russian forces.
According to hromadske on September 14, fighters from the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and Special Operations Forces (SSO) attacked the Orel–Kursk railway line.
Explosive devices were discovered near the Maloarkhangelsk–Glazunovka section, where Russian National Guard engineers attempted to neutralize them. During the clearance, a detonation occurred, killing two servicemen and severely injuring another.
Close-up of overturned and damaged fuel tank cars after the derailment in Luga district, showing visible burns and structural destruction. (Source: Russian media)
The following night, another attack struck the Strogonovo–Mshinskaya section of the St. Petersburg–Pskov line. Around 2:30 a.m., a locomotive derailed and 15 fuel tankers were destroyed.
Hromadske, citing a source in HUR, confirmed the involvement of Ukrainian special forces. The source emphasized that the operations were conducted jointly with other Defense Forces units. Hromadske also cited an informed source linking both actions to HUR and SSO.
Derailment of a freight train in Luga district, Leningrad region, September 14, 2025. (Source: Supernova+)
Russian officials partially acknowledged the incidents. The regional governor of Oryol, Andrey Klychkov, confirmed that an explosion occurred during a track inspection near Maloarkhangelsk.
The Orel–Kursk line was halted by the evening of September 13, with more than 15 trains delayed in both directions. Local residents published footage of the resulting fires.
In Leningrad region, Russian authorities confirmed two separate derailments on September 14: one in Gatchina district, where a locomotive engineer later died, and another near Mshinskaya involving empty fuel cars.
Locomotive derailed in Gatchina district, Leningrad region, September 14, 2025. (Source: Supernova+)
HUR stressed that the targeted railway lines are “critical logistics links” for supplying Russian troops on the Kharkiv and Sumy fronts. The intelligence source noted that the destruction of these connections will significantly complicate Russia’s ability to sustain operations in northern Ukraine.
Earlier, Ukrainian drones struck the Kirishi Oil Refinery near St. Petersburg, one of Russia’s largest fuel plants, igniting a major fire at the facility’s main processing unit.
moreesq on September 14th, 2025 at 16:23 UTC »
It is beyond me how Ukrainian special forces can travel so far through Russia with heavy explosives and not be detected. I don’t think they’re being dropped in by helicopter or parachuting or gliding in. They must be traveling overland, and every moment they could be worried about being detected And killed. astounding courage!
Spudtron98 on September 14th, 2025 at 15:54 UTC »
Trains are by far the higher value targets. You can fix rails in a day, but engines and rolling stock are a whole lot less replaceable.
starlordbg on September 14th, 2025 at 15:25 UTC »
Ukraine is doing their own sanctions at this point. Seems to be the best way to get things done.