VL8 locomotive runs with freight train in Gagra town. "VL8" series (VL - Vladimir Lenin) is Soviet long-distance cargo DC electric locomotive, manufactured from 1953 to 1967. Working engines were preserved only in Ukraine and Abkhazia. The action take place in unrecognized republic of Abkhazia, a disputed territory on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and the south-western flank of the Caucasus. The status of Abkhazia is a central issue of the Georgian–Abkhazian conflict. The wider region formed part of the Soviet Union until 1991. Abkhazia was severely damaged during the conflict. Many infrastructure objects were destroyed. Devastation came in cities and settlements. Only in recent years country begins to slowly recover. In 2011 Russians repaired railroad infrastructure: cleared the road from vegetation and garbage, laid concrete sleepers, reconstructed traction substation, restored permanent electricity.
