A Journalist's Sleeper Train Journey into the Heart of the Ukrainian War

The journey began with a sense of anticipation. Boarding the blue train for a sixteen-hour trip into Ukraine, the expectation of sleep was low. The train rattled throughout the night as it crossed the Polish and Ukrainian countryside. Frequent stops and passport checks further disrupted any hopes of rest.

The purpose of the trip was to report on the ongoing Russian invasion. The goal was to witness firsthand the realities faced by the people of Ukraine. The experience was eye-opening, including moments spent in air-raid shelters during nighttime barrages. Encounters with air defenders and observations of drone production efforts were also part of the experience.

The journey to Ukraine from Poland involved an overnight train ride, unlike any experienced before. The Warsaw Wschodnia station was the starting point. After some time spent at the station, the journey began. The train, identified as the "Kyiv Express," was boarded. The sleeper cabin, though small and dated, offered a private space.

The cabin was equipped with a three-bed bunk, a small fold-down chair, a ladder, a storage rack, and a small desk with a mirror. The space was functional, not luxurious, but sufficient for the trip. The cabin also included sheets, a pillowcase, a towel, and two bottles of water. Snacks were packed to sustain the journey.

The train departed on schedule. Ticket checks and brief conversations with staff occurred. The train traveled at a fast pace, and the journey across Poland was bumpy. The first few hours were spent preparing for interviews, catching up on news, and watching TV. Cell coverage was surprisingly good.

Polish customs checks began later in the evening, followed by a stop for Ukrainian customs. The train then entered a warehouse for track adjustments. The next hour was filled with noise. The train continued across the Ukrainian countryside. The sun rose, and the landscape shifted from rural to urban as the train approached Kyiv. The arrival in the Ukrainian capital was just before 11 a.m.