CITIZENS NEWS

Ukraine-linked sabotage suspected as Russian bridges collapse, killing civilians in coordinated attacks

By isabelle // 2025-06-02

• A pair of Russian railway bridges were destroyed in coordinated attacks, killing seven civilians and injuring dozens, with investigators confirming sabotage.
• A passenger train derailed in Bryansk after a bridge collapse, killing seven and injuring 71, while a freight train in Kursk plunged off another sabotaged bridge.
• Russia’s Investigative Committee labeled the attacks as deliberate bombings, launching terrorism probes, with Ukraine suspected as the perpetrator.
• The attacks mark an escalation in Ukraine’s shadow war, targeting Russian border regions ahead of potential peace talks.
• Evidence points to Ukrainian involvement, including prior railway sabotage and a military intelligence claim of a separate attack in Crimea.

Two Russian railway bridges were deliberately destroyed in coordinated attacks over the weekend, killing seven civilians and injuring dozens more in what investigators say was a calculated strike on critical infrastructure. The first attack occurred in Bryansk Region late Saturday evening when a passenger train derailed after a bridge collapsed onto the tracks, crushing multiple carriages and leaving 71 injured. Just hours later, a freight train in Kursk Region plunged off a sabotaged bridge, injuring three crew members. Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed both bridges were "blown up" and launched criminal terrorism investigations, with many considering Ukraine to be the likely perpetrator. These attacks mark yet another escalation in Ukraine’s shadow war against Russia’s border regions, which have faced repeated assaults since the conflict began. With peace talks looming, the timing suggests a deliberate attempt to destabilize Russia while deflecting blame, but the evidence tells a different story.

Bryansk passenger train massacre

The first attack unfolded near the Vygonichsky district of Bryansk, a region repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian saboteurs. Eyewitness footage showed mangled train carriages, passengers crawling through shattered windows, and emergency crews scrambling to pull survivors from the wreckage. Governor Alexander Bogomaz confirmed seven deaths, including the train’s driver, while 71 others were hospitalized, some with critical injuries. Russian Railways stated the bridge pillar collapsed due to "illegal interference with transport operations," a clear euphemism for sabotage. Telegram channels and local reports cited sources claiming an explosive device detonated beneath the structure, though officials initially stopped short of confirming this. However, by Sunday, the Investigative Committee removed all doubt, declaring the bridge had been "blown up." Senator Andrey Klishas minced no words, branding Ukraine a "terrorist enclave, without borders, legitimate authorities or laws." Given Bryansk’s proximity to Ukraine—just 62 miles from the border—and its history of cross-border raids, Kyiv’s involvement appears undeniable.

Kursk freight train attack

Before dawn on Sunday, another explosion rocked the Zheleznogorsk district of Kursk, collapsing a railway bridge beneath a moving freight train. Acting Governor Alexander Khinshteyn reported the locomotive caught fire after derailing, though the blaze was quickly extinguished. The train’s driver and two assistants suffered leg injuries but survived. Khinshteyn shared images of the wreckage on Telegram, showing the bridge reduced to rubble and the train cars scattered across the tracks. Like Bryansk, Kursk borders Ukraine and has endured repeated sabotage attempts, including prior railway bombings. The Investigative Committee confirmed this bridge, too, was deliberately destroyed.

Why Ukraine is the prime suspect

While Ukrainian officials predictably dismissed the attacks as Russian "false flag" operations, claiming that Moscow sought to "manipulate international opinion" ahead of peace talks, the facts tell a different story. First, both Bryansk and Kursk border Ukraine and have been hotspots for sabotage. Just days earlier, a freight train in Belgorod (another border region) struck an explosive device planted on the tracks. The pattern of attacks is also familiar; Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) openly bragged about blowing up a Russian military freight train in Crimea hours after the bridge collapses, signaling a broader campaign. Moreover, the dual attacks occurred within hours, suggesting coordination. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian rail lines to disrupt military logistics. Despite Kyiv’s denials, the evidence overwhelmingly points to Ukrainian operatives. As Russian investigators work to uncover the full extent of the plot, it is clear these were not random accidents, but deliberate acts of terror. Sources for this article include: RT.com RT.com APNews.com BBC.com

Russia Ukraine terrorism violence sabotage panic chaos dangerous WWIII