Vienna Central Station is hosting the exhibition "Iron People" by Dutch photographer Jelle Krings from 23 February to 21 March 2026. The photo documentation portrays Ukrainian railway workers and their families, capturing life along the country’s rail corridors under wartime conditions.
The location is symbolically charged. In the first weeks after the Russian invasion in 2022, Vienna’s main station became a key arrival point for thousands of refugees from Ukraine, turning into a hub of emergency assistance and solidarity.
"The Vienna Central Station is a particularly symbolic place for this exhibition," said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä. "In spring 2022, thousands of people fleeing the Russian war of aggression arrived here. We were able to offer quick and uncomplicated help. It is all the more meaningful to show these images here today."
Opening on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the invasion, the exhibition underscores the role of Ukraine’s railway system as a lifeline for evacuations, humanitarian transport and the maintenance of essential connections across the country. Diplomats highlighted the resilience of railway workers who continue operating despite constant threats and attacks on infrastructure.
Over three years, Krings documented more than 200,000 railway employees responsible for maintaining over 20,000 kilometres of track. "Despite the constant danger from Russian attacks, they have kept the network largely operational throughout the war," the photographer said, adding that their work has saved countless lives and remains crucial to Ukraine’s endurance.
