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Debunking Claims: The Disputed Railway Link Between Rostov-on-Don and Crimea

Debunking Claims: The Disputed Railway Link Between Rostov-on-Don and Crimea
photo: Associated Press / Public Domain/Debunking Claims: The Disputed Railway Link Between Rostov-on-Don and Crimea
10 / 11 / 2023

Recently, the Russian-appointed governor of the occupied part of the Zaporizhia region in Ukraine announced the supposed commencement of a railway link construction between Rostov-on-Don, Russia, and the annexed Crimea peninsula. This declaration was quickly refuted by the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration.

On November 6, 2023, Yevhen Balytskyi, the Russian-appointed governor of the occupied part of the Zaporizhia region, informed the Russian news agency RIA Novosti about the initiation of a railway project intended to connect Russia and the annexed Crimea via the occupied Ukrainian territories. "The second project, which has already begun on the Donetsk side, is a railway extending from Yakymivka to Rostov, passing through Berdyansk and Mariupol. The construction has commenced from Yakymivka, situated southwest of Melitopol and serving as the railway junction where the work is starting," stated Balytskyi.

However, two days later, on November 8, Yury Malashko, head of the Zaporizhzhya OVA, held a briefing to address these Russian claims, refuting the alleged start of construction. He clarified that current activities are limited to preliminary work only.

"The adversary frequently makes such claims about routes or restorations, specifically this track. We understand that it currently exists only in the planning stages, with some preparatory work underway. But that's the extent of it," Malashko emphasized.

Russia's interest in establishing such a railway link stems from its aim to mitigate logistical challenges caused by Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean Bridge. Inaugurated in April 2018, the bridge was primarily constructed to facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs, military equipment, and forces to the temporarily occupied Crimea. From there, these supplies are redistributed to the occupied parts of the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. The bridge's destruction holds strategic significance for Ukraine in the Russian war.

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