No Trains, No Supplies: Ukraine Targets Russian Railway Hub in Salsk

Railway stations have long played a silent but strategic role in warfare — and Ukraine is redefining that role in the 21st century.

According to nv.ua, on the night of 29 July, Ukrainian drones struck deep into Russian territory, disabling the railway station in Salsk, Rostov Oblast, after Russian assault of a maternity ward in Kharkiv. The symbolism was clear: no trains, no supplies — and no war. In past conflicts, rail sabotage came from explosives and partisan raids. Today, it comes from above. Ukraine has embraced asymmetric warfare, targeting critical logistical nodes inside Russia.

Ukrainian Drones Disrupt Key Russian Rail Route

According to The Kyiv Independent, the Rostov region experienced a major Ukrainian drone offensive targeting rail infrastructure, with confirmed strikes on Salsk and near the village of Orlovskij. Overhead traction lines were damaged, halting a vital rail corridor that connects Rostov with frontline regions — a key supply artery for Russian military operations.

Residents shared footage of a massive fire in Salsk, reportedly caused by drone impacts. The Russian Telegram channel Astra claimed the fire originated at the railway station. Authorities later confirmed one civilian fatality — a driver of a private vehicle. "A fire broke out at the station, and a passenger train was moved to a safe distance. Forty-five personnel and twelve units of equipment are involved in firefighting," said acting Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar, according to pravda.com.ua.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed it had intercepted 74 Ukrainian drones across the country during the night. As usual, it did not disclose how many drones actually targeted the area or the total extent of the damage.

‼️🇺🇦✈️🔥 Ukrainian drones are now massively attacking Russian targets in the Rostov region — including military bases, railway stations, power plants, and distribution facilities.

See the latest updates with us: @NSTRIKE1231 pic.twitter.com/UV0djBN2Wd

— NSTRIKE (@NSTRIKE1231) July 29, 2025

Why Railways Are a Strategic Target

Rostov Oblast plays a crucial logistical role for Russia. It borders occupied Donetsk Oblast and serves as a transit corridor for military supplies, ammunition, and equipment to the southeastern front. Hubs like Salsk, Kamenolomni, and other towns form the spinal cord of Russia’s war logistics in this theatre. A single disruption can delay critical resupply operations. This was not the first such incident: on 21 July, a fire broke out at Kamenolomni station, reportedly caused by another Ukrainian drone strike, damaging station infrastructure, as noted by ukr.net.

Asymmetric Warfare and Long-Range Drone Tactics

Since the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has faced overwhelming Russian firepower — in artillery, aircraft, and armoured units. In response, Ukraine developed asymmetric tactics, relying on long-range drone strikes to hit Russian rear positions. Often improvised from civilian drones or domestically built units, these UAVs have targeted not only military bases, but also fuel depots, ammunition storage, and railway infrastructure.

The strikes serve a dual purpose: slowing Russia’s logistical capability and reminding its population that the war affects their own territory. Following the Salsk attack, railway traffic was suspended, and infrastructure assessments remain ongoing, though visible damage includes overhead lines, a civilian vehicle, and reportedly a traction substation near Orlovskij, crucial for powering electric trains.

Official Silence, Tactical Clarity

Kyiv typically refrains from publicly confirming responsibility for these strikes. Analysts interpret this silence as a strategic choice maintaining operational flexibility and avoiding compromising future missions. Nonetheless, evidence strongly points to Ukrainian unmanned systems as the source of the ongoing attacks in Russian border regions.

The tactic of targeting railways has deep roots in modern warfare. During World War II, resistance fighters frequently sabotaged rail lines, bridges, and locomotives to halt troop movements. In today’s context, drones and precision munitions have replaced explosives, but the objective remains the same: delay, disrupt, and demoralise.