UK Rail for Ukraine launches first humanitarian aid train

UK Rail for Ukraine, a cross-industry initiative set up by volunteers in early February, has brought together the large quantities of humanitarian aid from across the country. A first aid train has left the UK on a special DB Cargo service bound for Ukraine, where it will be received by organisations working on the ground.

The service is carrying more than 1,500 tonnes consisting of a range of aid, including non-perishable food, hygiene and medical products, basic living equipment, and other much-needed supplies that have been donated from a wide range of businesses and organisations following requests for aid from the Ukrainian authorities. We would like to express our gratitude for local advice and information provided by both the Ukrainian Logistics Alliance and Department for International Trade in Warsaw.

Transported in 24 shipping containers over a 500-meter train, the aid transported by UK Rail for Ukraine has been labelled in all three languages to assist with distribution when it arrives at its destination.

Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom said “I am expressing my gratitude to the UK Railway industry and everyone who contributed to the UK Rail for Ukraine initiative. We greatly appreciate your support during such challenging times.

Despite the complexity of the logistic routes, the industry managed to organize a delivery directly to the places of greatest need in Ukraine.

In addition to the humanitarian aid gathered by volunteers from different businesses and organizations, UK Railway facilitated the delivery of 21 powerful industrial generators purchased by the Ukrainian Embassy which are imperative for Ukraine's energy sector.”

Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport of the United Kingdom said “The UK Rail for Ukraine initiative is playing a great role in delivering humanitarian aid from across the country.

Our exceptional railway network has come together and is working hard to deliver vital supplies to support the inspirational Ukrainian people.

The UK continues to stand with all those fleeing Putin’s barbaric invasion.”

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail said: “We have all seen the vital role the railway has played in Ukraine, delivering people to safety, and vital supplies to the front line. Britain’s railway is now playing its small part in supporting the inspirational people of Ukraine.”

Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of DB Cargo UK said “Across Europe, DB Cargo is already leading the way in delivering humanitarian aid by rail to the Ukraine, having recently developed the first rail bridge to the war-torn region.

Here in the UK, we are pleased to be able to support the ongoing aid effort to deliver essential supplies to ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people impacted and displaced by the atrocities that are unfolding.”

David Horne, Managing Director at London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on behalf of train operators said: “We are proud to be working alongside the wider railway family in providing support to the people of Ukraine, including our railway colleagues.”

Trent Smyth AM, Executive Director at The Chief of Staff Association said “The initiative shown by the railway industry is truly impressive. We are proud we could play our part in bringing the right people together to help make this possible.”

Chris Docker, Managing Director of Symposium Consulting said “What the UK rail industry has achieved will start to make a real difference to those in Ukraine, but this could not have been achieved this without remarkable local support. Those individuals have our thanks and my personal commitment to build on this initial momentum.”

Further donations and contributions

Those wishing to make smaller or general donations are encouraged to provide financial support to the Disaster Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal).

While further UK Rail for Ukraine services are not scheduled at this time, those who may have large quantities of high value physical items to donate are asked to contact Tony Gillan, International Product Manager via Tony.Gillan@deutschebahn.com

Businesses wishing to offer work to Ukrainians in or outside the country are encouraged to contact the International Chamber of Commerce which is coordinating efforts through their Centre for Entrepreneurship for Ukraine via icccoe@iccwbo.org

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Notes to editors

UK Rail for Ukraine comprises volunteers from across the railway family led by a project team including Network Rail, Symposium Consulting, Deutsche Bahn, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Avanti, MTR Elizabeth Line, and The Veterans Charity.

Support or donations has also been provided by staff from:

• Acland Plant Hire
• Avanti West Coast
• Bettys
• Brakes Group
• Brunswick International
• Business In The Community
• Campeys
• D McIntyre & Sons
• Deutsche Bahn
• DB Cargo UK
• Evo Group (owns Banner and other businesses)
• Fieldfisher
• Furrer and Frey
• Global Hand
• Govia Thameslink Railway
• Harrogate Water
• HS1 Ltd
• London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
• Malcolm Group
• Maritime Transport
• Matrix
• Merseyrail
• MTR Elizabeth Line
• National Infrastructure Suppliers
• National Fire Chiefs Council and various local fire services
• Network Rail
• Nextmove Removals
• Paragon
• Porterbrook
• Railway Connected Leaders group
• Railway Industry Association
• Rail Safety and Standards Board
• Richard Tauwhare Consulting Limited
• Samworth Brothers
• Symposium Consulting
• The Chief of Staff Association
• The Veterans Charity
• Ukrainian Embassy to the United Kingdom
• and many others