Official delegations from partner countries, who are coming to Kyiv these days to support the Ukrainian people, will see an artefact - a specially illuminated damaged car No. 5 of train No. 103 Chop - Barvinkove, which was attacked by Russian strike drones on January 27, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Expolight
The art installation "Pulsing Pain" was created by a lighting designer, founder and art director of the laboratory of contemporary light art Expolight Arts Mykola Kabluka.
Light in this work is a tool of memorialization. It does not decorate or soften, but emphasizes the iron wounds, deformed surfaces and traces of impact. Outside, the car is enveloped in cold, ragged, almost moonlight. This light is detached, lifeless. Instead, another state of light is born from within - warm, with a red tint. It slowly pulses. Special lighting accentuates the elements that preserve the history of the tragedy.
Photo courtesy of Expolight
On January 27, train No. 103 Chop - Barvinkove was attacked by Russian drones: two drones exploded next to the train, one in front of the locomotive. Thanks to the quick reaction of the drivers, the train was stopped and avoided hitting the drone. Another drone hit a carriage with 18 passengers. As a result of the impact, six people were killed and two more were injured. About 300 people were rescued.
Photo courtesy of Expolight
"Pulsing Pain" is an attempt to capture not only the fact of destruction, but the state - the moment when the world stops. The work reminds us: where there is the light of memory, there is no forgetting.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 1029 railway workers have been killed, including those who came under fire at work and those who joined the army. The enemy has inflicted 4,774 strikes on railway infrastructure and rolling stock. 282 passenger cars, 288 locomotives and 1,747 freight cars have been damaged.
Photo courtesy of Expolight
The light art installation with the “wounded car” is a reminder to the leaders of the free world, who are coming to Kyiv these days by Ukrzaliznytsia trains, of the constant attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The railway is subjected to deliberate enemy shelling practically every day, but it does not stop traffic – and eventually restores the damaged cars.
Previously we told how On the longest night of the year, the facade of the Central Station in Kyiv turned into an art installation.
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