On December 31, 2022, Anton Lytvynov, a stage director at Lviv National Opera, was unable to join his friends in Kyiv for New Year’s celebrations due to work commitments. Determined to reunite with them, he boarded a train to meet them on January 1. However, on the train, he met people with the same names as his friends – Sandra, Mykhailo, and Volodymyr. They decided to celebrate New Year together, forming an instant bond and staying in touch since then. This chance encounter on a train marked the beginning of a journey filled with exciting connections and stories.
Since Ukraine closed its airports in February 2022, trains operated by Ukrzaliznytsia have become a primary mode of travel within and outside the country. In the intimate space of train compartments during long journeys, passengers often find common ground and form connections. Trains have also become unexpected hubs for celebrity encounters and important connections, leading to shared projects and opportunities. However, since the start of Russia’s full-scale war, Ukrainian trains have witnessed more tears of sorrow and grief, as train attendants work tirelessly to help passengers escape the conflict.
Tetiana Kohut, a train attendant, experienced the impact of the war firsthand as her train was turned into an evacuation train for people fleeing Russian-occupied areas. Despite the dangers and hardships faced by train workers, they continue to provide essential services to those seeking refuge from the war. Trains have also been crucial in transporting world leaders, politicians, and celebrities to Ukraine, with over 700 diplomatic missions arriving in the country by train since the start of the invasion. Despite the challenging circumstances, train workers like Kohut continue to serve passengers with dedication and compassion.
One poignant encounter on a train brought unexpected tears to Kyiv resident Olha Hrianyk, who met a young soldier undergoing training to join the Azov brigade. The soldier’s commanders had known Hrianyk’s son, who was also a soldier in Azov and had been killed in combat. The meeting on the train led to a deep connection between Hrianyk and the soldier, with both families staying in touch. Tragically, the soldier was killed in combat, bringing further grief to Hrianyk and highlighting the lasting impact of chance encounters on trains.
For many Ukrainians, meetings on trains have sparked new ideas and collaborations, leading to valuable projects and partnerships. Nataliia Kovalchuk, a content creator for an NGO, forged a connection with a woman on a train, which led to a collaboration on initiatives to support Ukrainian soldiers. These chance encounters on trains have the power to bring people together and inspire meaningful actions. Despite the hardships and challenges facing Ukraine, stories of connections made on trains serve as a reminder of the resilience and solidarity of its people during difficult times.
In the midst of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, stories of encounters on trains offer a glimpse into the perseverance and strength of the Ukrainian people. By sharing these narratives, journalists like Daria Shulzhenko aim to keep the world informed about the reality of the war and bring attention to the experiences of those affected by the conflict. Through their reporting, they seek to shed light on the stories of resilience, connection, and hope that continue to emerge from the shadows of war.
