Received 05.01.2026
Revised 27.01.2026
Accepted 26.03.2026
Published 07.04.2026
Retrieved from Iss. 119, 2026
Pages 432 -443
Abstract
The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the Ukrainian transport and logistics system in the conditions of a full-scale war and deepening integration with the European Union. The article examines large-scale structural changes in transit flows, the dynamics of freight transportation by various modes of transport, as well as current trends in the development of border infrastructure. Particular attention is paid to the revision of European transport policy, the expansion of the TEN-T network with the participation of Ukraine, the attraction of EIB investment resources and the effectiveness of the Solidarity Corridors programs. Based on official statistical data, international reports and government documents, the scale of economic losses in the transport sector was examined, in particular the destruction of infrastructure facilities, the reduction in freight transportation volumes and the change in the structure of logistics flows in 2021–2024. A comparative analysis of the volumes of rail, road, sea, river and air transportation before and after 2022 was conducted, which made it possible to identify the key factors in the decline and subsequent recovery of the sector. The article shows that rail and sea transport suffered the greatest losses, however, due to the reorientation to the western direction, the intensification of cross-border transportation and the creation of new logistics routes, a gradual recovery of cargo flows is observed in 2023–2024. The positive dynamics of intermodal and container transportation are separately studied, which indicates the strengthening of Ukraine's role in European supply chains. It is concluded that the development of transit infrastructure, the modernization of border crossings, the inclusion of Ukraine in the updated TEN-T network and the expansion of cooperation with Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary form a strategic basis for the long-term integration of Ukraine's transport system with the European market and ensure its increase in its role as a key transit center of Eastern Europe
Keywords:
transit infrastructure; statistical analysis; logistics; transport corridors; European integration; martial law; international cargo flows; transport system of Ukraine1. GMK Center. (2024). How the Russia–Ukraine war has impacted on logistics routes and supply chains. Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/posts/how-the-russia-ukraine-war-has-impacted-on-logistics-routes-and-supply-chains/
2. ISPI. (2025). Rebuilding connections: Ukraine’s transport infrastructure and the road to EU integration. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/
3. Statista & World Bank. (2022). GDP decline in Ukraine in 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/
4. World Bank. (2022). Transport sector damage assessment (June 2022). Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/09/09/
5. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). (2023). Infrastructure damage statistics. Retrieved December 12, 2025, from https://www.csis.org/
6. World Bank. (2023). Second rapid damage and needs assessment (RDNA2). Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/03/23/
7. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2024). Rapid damage and needs assessment (RDNA4): Ukraine. Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://www.undp.org/ukraine
8. World Bank. (2025). Fourth rapid damage and needs assessment: Ukraine. Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ukraine
9. Statista. (2021). Ukraine railway freight volumes. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/
10. GMK Center. (2024). Cargo transshipment in Ukrainian ports in 2024 increased by 57%. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/infographic/cargo-transshipment-in-ukrainian-ports-in-2024-increased-by-57-at-once/
11. GMK Center. (2022). Cargo transportation volumes decline in Ukraine. Retrieved December 12, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/posts/
12. GMK Center. (2022). Ukrzaliznytsia freight volumes. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/posts/
13. GMK Center. (2023). Ukrainian Railways transported 148.4 million tonnes of cargo. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/infographic/ukrainian-railways-increased-export-shipments-in-2024-by-51/
14. GMK Center. (2023). Ukrainian Railways increased intermodal transportation by 34%. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/news/ukrainian-railways-increased-intermodal-transportation-by-34-y-y-in-2023/
15. GMK Center. (2024). Ukrainian Railways increased container transportation by 28%. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/news/ukrainian-railways-increased-container-transportation-by-28-y-y-in-2024/
16. GMK Center. (2025). Ukrainian seaports set a record for container throughput. Retrieved December 5, 2025, from https://gmk.center/en/news/infrastructure/
17. Railway Supply. (2024). Increase in freight flow through Ukrainian–Polish border crossings by 32%. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.railway.supply/en/
18. European Parliament Research Service. (2022). Russia’s war on Ukraine: Maritime logistics and connectivity. Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2022/733603/EPRS_ATA(2022)733603_EN.pdf
19. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2022). Impact of the war in Ukraine on trade and development. Retrieved December 1, 2025, from https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/osginf2022d2_en.pdf