The impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on the China Railway Express
The impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on the China Railway Express
On Thursday, February 24, Russian troops were reported to have launched attacks on several areas of Ukraine, including Kramatorsk, Charkov, Odessa and Kiev. and other cities. Some of these regions play an important role in the China-Europe freight train map. In this article, we have compiled all the China-Europe train news related to the Ukraine war collected on February 24.
The situation in Russia and Ukraine is changing rapidly. In order to help you understand the latest news about the China-Europe freight train, our editorial department of RailFreight is contacting relevant personnel of all parties and will update it in real time on the website. Please save the QR code below for follow up.
22:30 - The RailCargoGroup (RCG), the freight subsidiary of Austrian railway company BB, also commented on the situation. "Currently, RCG's cargo movement has not been affected. We are monitoring the situation closely and can enable alternative routes if necessary. It is too early to assess the specific impact or report possible measures as the situation is changing rapidly. Rail freight in and out of China is also currently Not affected (optional via Belarus or Turkey).
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22:00 - In addition to service and business, the railway company is also concerned about the safety of its workers. For example, LTG Cargo, a subsidiary of Lithuanian Railways with a branch in Ukraine (LTG Ukrain), said on LinkedIn that it is in close contact with Ukrainian colleagues and will provide assistance to them and their families. "If necessary, we will help you to travel to and settle in Lithuania. We will provide possible assistance in time," the company mentioned.
20:40 - Sanctions update. On the other hand, Japan has activated its own sanctions against Russia, including banning the issuance of Russian bonds in Japan, freezing the assets of certain Russians, and restricting their travel to Japan. This travel restriction could also apply to the transportation sector, disrupting the flow of Japan-South Korea and Russia's Far East ports, as well as the China-Europe freight train.
20:30 - Sanctions update: So far, the US, UK, EU, Australia and Japan have imposed tough sanctions on Russia following its aggression against Ukraine. The US and UK focus primarily on financial sanctions, including transactions, banks and individuals.
The EU updated its sanctions on Russia this morning with the following statement:
The EU-agreed package of sanctions includes:
Sanctions were imposed on 351 members of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) who voted on February 15 in favor of President Putin's recognition of the independence of the "republics" of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Sanctions against 27 additional individuals and entities that help undermine or threaten Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence
Restriction of economic relations with non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions
Restricting the ability of the Russian state and government to access EU capital and financial markets and services
20:00 - Hamburg Port and Logistics AG (HHLA) holds a press conference at 12:00 CET to announce that the Port of Odessa has been closed by the Ukrainian authorities today, and therefore the operations of the HHLA terminal in the Port of Odessa suspended. "Except for security guards, all employees are now staying at home. Their safety is our top priority," the operator said.
12:05 - "Logistics companies in Lithuania are facing a tough day due to the situation in Ukraine," RailFreight.com learns from Tomas Jankauskas of ACE Logistics. Trains in and out of China have not yet been disrupted. However, the industry is concerned about delays on the Belarusian part of the China-Europe train, as Belarusian Railways may prioritize transporting military equipment over containers.
On the other hand, the Lithuanian government has declared a state of emergency in the country. "Based on the EU sanctions currently being prepared, we may see serious disruptions to rail traffic between Lithuania and Russia, as European leaders work to impose comprehensive sanctions on Russia," Jankauskas mentioned.
11:20 - While technically the trains can still keep running, it appears that sanctions will ultimately affect how the rail freight industry actually develops. The European Union today (24 February) proposed a package of massive and targeted sanctions that are awaiting approval from European leaders. The package targets strategic sectors of the Russian economy and will prevent it from gaining access to technologies and markets vital to Russia.
11:15 - In response to an inquiry from RailFreight.com, UTLC ERA said its services were not affected. UTLC ERA is responsible for most of the operations on the wide-gauge section of the China Railway Express, including Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia.
11:05 - According to Metrans, rail freight services through Ukraine have been suspended since the instability began in January. "At least all of our customers have cancelled shipments through Ukraine. Ultimately, it's the customer's decision, and most people have no problem with transshipment in Ukraine at the moment."
But, Koubek explained, it's not just a Ukrainian problem. "There are already customers headquartered in the United States and the European Union, who are now refusing to transit through Russia and therefore refuse to use the train. This may have a greater impact on the China-Europe train."
10:55 - Lithuania and Moldova are also preparing to declare a state of emergency.
10:38 - RTSB confirms that customers have cancelled bookings for transit trains in Ukraine. According to the China-Europe train operator, no trains are currently passing through Ukraine. Trains usually choose to be diverted via Belarus and Kaliningrad. Aleksander Baskakov, CEO of RTSB Russia, said rail freight at these border crossings is still operating normally.
10:25 - According to Russian Railways RZD Logistics, there is not much impact yet. But because of the unstable situation, this situation may change at any time, Yulia Kosolopova said: "Last night was completely different from today, maybe tonight will change again. But at the moment, freight trains are running. However, people are worried, A train diversion may be inevitable."
10:05 - Hungary appears to be one of the first to bear the brunt of the war. According to Jakub Walcak of C.H. Robinson, trains bound for Budapest via Ukraine will be diverted to Malashevich starting today.
The news was also confirmed by Xi'an International Dry Port, which said on Wednesday that its Xi'an-Ukraine-Chope-Hungary Budapest train would be temporarily diverted to Malaszewicz, Poland, starting in late March.
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