Russian manipulation of Ukrainian Christmas retro train

Russian media claims that Ukraine has switched to steam locomotives due to power problems

Russian media and Telegram channels are spreading a fake that Ukrzaliznytsia has begun to massively use old steam locomotives to transport passengers. Propagandists claim that Ukrainian railway workers are forced to switch to technologies "from the beginning of the last century" due to power outages.

Ukrzaliznytsia really launched a steam train, but as part of Christmas-New Year tours. During the winter holidays, the festive retro train will run on holidays in Kyiv on December 24, 25, 31, January 1, 7 and 8.

Russian propaganda simply used footage of the retro train to create a fake about a mass transition in Ukraine to steam-powered trains, mentioning also Ukrainian regions, in particular, Chernihiv region.

However, all photos show the same train with number E-799-18. It can be seen on photos published on the official website of Ukrzaliznytsia.

This is not the first time that the retro train has been launched in Kyiv on New Year's holidays, such tours were organized during past three years. In 2017, the retro train ran on October 14, Ukraine’s Defenders Day.

Andriy Olenin