INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL FACTORS ON THE FUNCTIONING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION MARKET OF UKRAINE

The relevance of the article is determined by the growing importance of railway transport for the stability of national economies, international trade, logistics connectivity and the functioning of strategic supply chains. In the context of global transformations, the railway transportation market of Ukraine is influenced by a combination of external and internal factors, including geopolitical instability, changes in international freight flows, transformation of export and import routes, integration into the European transport space, infrastructure modernization, digitalization, investment needs and environmental requirements. Under these conditions, the study of global factors affecting the functioning and development of Ukraine’s railway transportation market becomes especially important for understanding the current state of the sector and identifying the key directions of its adaptation to new economic and logistical realities. The article focuses on the role of railway transport in ensuring freight and passenger mobility, supporting foreign economic activity, maintaining domestic economic links and strengthening Ukraine’s participation in international transport corridors. Particular attention is paid to the influence of security challenges, infrastructure damage, changes in traditional logistics routes and the increasing role of western border crossings in the organization of freight transportation. The issues discussed include the transformation of international logistics chains, the reorientation of cargo flows, the development of multimodal transportation, the modernization of border infrastructure, the expansion of cooperation with European partners and the gradual integration of Ukraine’s railway system into the Trans-European Transport Network. The article also considers the importance of investment support, international financial assistance and institutional reforms for the further development of the railway transportation market. Special emphasis is placed on the need to modernize railway infrastructure, renew rolling stock, improve the quality of passenger services, introduce digital tools for transportation management and increase the efficiency of interaction between railway, road, sea, river and terminal infrastructure. The topic is also relevant in the context of the global transition to sustainable transport systems, where railway transport is viewed as one of the most energyefficient and environmentally appropriate modes of transportation. The discussion of these issues makes it possible to outline the main challenges and prospects for the development of Ukraine’s railway transportation market in the context of global economic, technological, environmental and integration processes. The article highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure recovery, European integration, digital transformation, investment attraction, environmental modernization and the strengthening of the competitiveness of railway transport in the international transport and logistics system.