The Ukrainian miniseries The Train (Potiah), directed by Volodymyr Yanishchuk, has won the Limited Series category at the prestigious Italian Global Series Festival.

The four-part drama tells the gripping story of a Ukrainian evacuation train crew from Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), who rescued civilians during the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Produced by Ukrainian Producers Hub (UP Hub) for MPIU, the series highlights the courage and compassion of ordinary Ukrainians amid war.

"This victory is significant because we showed the world a story about our people," said producer Viktoriia Burdokova. "I’m endlessly grateful to our writers, director, actors, and crew, who made this possible despite air raids, blackouts, and a tight budget. As long as Ukrainians keep creating art under such conditions, our culture will survive."

The series triumphed over nine other nominees from Italy, France, Spain, Estonia, and the UK. The jury, chaired by Bille August (Palme d’Or-winning Danish director), included industry luminaries like Deborah Davis (The Favourite), Alan Hasmar, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Barbara Abel.

Yuliia Binn, CEO of MPIU, emphasized the win’s broader impact: "This is a chance to remind the world of Ukraine’s struggle—and the lessons many still refuse to hear. Our people, even in the darkest days, never lost their humanity, optimism, or capacity to love."

Developed under the working title Train to Life, the project was funded with 8.5 million UAH (approx. $230.000) through a 2023 government grant for wartime-themed productions. After premiering on Dim TV, The Train is now available on YouTube (DIM channel).