Petro Andriushchenko

Head of Center for the Study of the Occupation I Керівник Центру вивчення окупації I Consultant & Analyst

Interregional Academy of Personnel Management Center for the Study of the Occupation I Центр вивчення окупації

April 3, 2025

Russians Are Building a Transport Hub in Henichesk. Why, and What Are the Consequences for Ukraine?

The occupiers continue integrating temporarily seized territories into their own transport network. In Henichesk, they plan to establish a modern transit hub, which will become a key logistical point in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast.

Russia has developed a so-called “Master Plan for Kherson Oblast,” which includes the construction of a transport hub based on Henichesk railway station. The plan envisions integrating it with a bus station, city transport, taxis, bike parking, and rental points.

Why Is This Important for the Occupiers?

🔹 Military logistics – Henichesk has become a rear base for Russian forces in the south. A centralized transport hub will allow them to move troops, equipment, and ammunition more efficiently.
🔹 Stronger control – A centralized transport network will help occupiers monitor civilian movement, identify those disloyal to the regime, and facilitate deportations.
🔹 Integration of occupied territories into Russia – By making these areas dependent on Russian infrastructure, Moscow aims to sever all ties with Ukraine.

What Are the Consequences for Ukraine?

The biggest threat is the entrenchment of occupation. Russia is building a long-term system of control, making de-occupation more difficult.

The Henichesk transport hub is not about “improving local infrastructure”—it’s about tightening Russia’s grip, expanding its control, and reinforcing military logistics in the occupied south.

………

Russians were asked whether they wanted the war to end.

In reality, the answer sounds like “no.” Half of them said they were tired of the war, while the other half feared that Ukraine would only use a pause to regroup.

This is a striking demonstration of public opinion—where the aggressor sees itself as a potential victim. On the other hand, after three years, they have moved from unconditional confidence in victory over Ukraine to no longer thinking about winning at all. Instead, they are looking for a way to achieve a peace that would not be too humiliating for them.

If not for Trump and his misguided policy of supporting Putin’s imagined greatness, next year would have been the one in which Russia collapsed completely. But for now, the future remains uncertain. One thing is clear—this war has taught Russians nothing. And that is why they remain a great danger to civilization.