To modernize its ageing fleet of heavy freight diesel locomotives, the RŽD ordered the 2ТЭ25К and 3ТЭ25К starting in 2005. Most of the production was the two-section variant 2ТЭ25К. Only a smaller number was built of the three-section 3ТЭ25К with a total length of 60 metres and a service weight of 441 tonnes. They got the nickname “Peresvet”.

Between 2017 and 2023, the first batch of 139 3ТЭ25К^2М was built with GEVO-12 engines imported from General Electric in the USA which deliver 4,215 hp. Only a single two-section 2ТЭ25К^2М was built with the same engines. Production with these engines was stopped due to the sanctions. Another prototype built in 2019 was the 2TE25K^3M with a more modern Kolomna engine that was accompanied by a single 3TE25K^3M. Now, the 2ТЭ28 and 3ТЭ28 are to be their successors.