No Train Ferries Operating in Occupied Crimea, Ukraine Claims
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Russia's logistics in occupied Crimea are deteriorating, with train ferries now non-operational.
- The Kerch Bridge, the primary supply route, has been attacked multiple times and remains vulnerable.
- Alternative transport methods like air cargo are too expensive and slow for Russia's needs, leaving them in a difficult situation.
Russia's logistical capabilities in occupied Crimea are facing significant challenges, with key transport links becoming increasingly compromised. According to D. Pletenฤiukas, a representative of the Ukrainian Navy, the decline in Russia's logistical operations is evident, starting with reduced radar presence and a porous air defense system, culminating in the failure of train ferries.
Initially, they noticed a decrease in the number of radars, then an increasingly porous air defense system, and then came the turn of deteriorating logistics.
While Russia still possesses conventional ferries, their capacity for transporting goods via trucks is far less than that of train ferries. This leaves the Kerch Bridge as the sole remaining major transport artery. However, the bridge itself has been attacked three times and is vulnerable, situated too close to the front lines to be a consistently secure supply route. Pletenฤiukas stated there is no information suggesting Russia has restored rail connections for essential supplies like fuel or armored vehicles.
The main logistical routes have become vulnerable, as they are too close to the front line.
Alternative methods, such as air transport, are prohibitively expensive and slow, failing to match the efficiency of rail transport for Russia's needs. Pletenฤiukas explained that all routes leading to Crimea are either within range of Ukrainian forces or present other significant challenges. This precarious situation is causing concern for the occupying forces, as their primary means of access and supply are severely hampered.
The bridge has been attacked three times. So, the situation is causing concern for the occupiers.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.