FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAIL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION IN CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW

Анотація

This article explores the critical aspects of financial support for the development of Ukraine's railway freight transportation sector under the challenging conditions of martial law. The text under scrutiny here demonstrates the impact of military aggression on national transport infrastructure, and the transformation of logistics systems. The study identifies the key obstacles to the efficient operation of rail transport. These include the physical deterioration of rolling stock, destruction of railway lines and facilities, gauge incompatibility with EU railway standards, and notable administrative and customs bottlenecks at border crossings. The necessity of immediate modernisation of transport infrastructure, improvement of border terminals, and harmonisation of transport policies with European partners is underscored. Moreover, the study explores the constraints imposed by domestic financing, the significance of securing international aid and investment, and the function of public-private partnerships in the revitalisation of the sector. The authors propose a comprehensive set of financial and institutional measures intended to restore and enhance the performance of railway freight transport. These include the creation of special-purpose infrastructure funds, the application of targeted financing mechanisms, and harmonisation with the National Transport Strategy of Ukraine until 2030. The strategic importance of railway transport for the resilience of the national economy, export capacity, and Ukraine's future integration into the European transport and logistics system is substantiated. It is imperative to emphasise the necessity of adapting Ukraine's transport policy to EU standards, whilst concomitantly developing transparent funding mechanisms. The findings of the article may serve as a basis for decision-making at both the governmental and institutional levels amid reconstruction and sustainable recovery. The article concludes that a systematic approach to financial reform and investment attraction is essential for the long-term sustainability and modernisation of Ukraine's railway freight system amid war and post-war recovery.