11 February, 2024
The Russians built a 30-kilometer line of defense from more than 2,000 railway cars.
This was reported by the DeepState analytical community.
The continuous construction stretches along the branch line from the railway station in Olenivka to Volnovakha and has about 2,100 wagons of various types.
It is reported that the construction of this massive defensive line began in July 2023. For its construction, apparently, rolling stock was used, stolen from the temporarily occupied territories.
Such a defensive structure, which in fact represents a solid wall, is a very serious obstacle in the way of advancing troops.
SAR image of one of the sections of the Russian defense line. Source: Sentinel hub
Given that some sections of the railway track are built with a high roadbed (an embankment that distributes the load on the soil), such a defensive line is a full-fledged defensive shaft.
It is possible to overcome it only after large-scale engineering works: disengagement of wagons, removal from tracks, or movement to another place. However, these engineering works will be accompanied by the counteraction of the Russians.
In addition to problems for Ukrainian troops, such a line of defense also creates problems for the Russians themselves: logistics for advanced positions can be difficult due to an obstacle, in addition, such a barrier creates an obstacle to maneuver.
“This is a very specific engineering structure, the effectiveness of which is difficult to assess. The idea is clear – an obstacle to the advancement of the Defense Forces. It can be considered as a separate line of defense, because it is extremely difficult to damage, move or blow up the 30-kilometer mass of metal, and the movement of equipment through such a blockage without breaking through the corridor is impossible,” writes the DeepState team.
A section of the 70-kilometer trench in Zaporizhzhia. Source: Center for journalistic investigations
This is not the first time the Russians have built huge engineering barriers as part of a full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war.
In April 2023, it became known that the Russians built a solid 70-kilometer anti-tank ditch in Zaporizhzhia, which stretched from the village of Semenivka to the village of Marynivka.
Militarnyi has reported several times on the construction of fortifications in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
For example, in August 2023, a significant strengthening of defense was reported near major settlements in Zaporizhzhia region.
Such a barrier is useless and absurd, and this regardless if the frontline is static or dynamic. Now, it’s static, but when the Ukrainians have the ability to maneuver again, it can be circumvented or destroyed in many places. They are only railroad stock and not concrete bunkers. And, it seems that the roaches don’t need so many railway cars anymore to transport supplies. Does this mean their supplies are getting low?
Good points, Mr. Ofp. Indeed, this raises many questions and looks more like a desperate improvisation than a carefully planned defence line.
“It is possible to overcome it only after large-scale engineering works”
Or some well targetted smart bombs of large caliber, punching breaches into the line. And let’s not overlook that this obstacle also shields an attacking force deploying on the other side. Once the AFU has been enabled to conduct a large scale offensive again, this defence could be overcome, me thinks.
Btw, this makes me wonder if this static placement of so many railway cars doesn’t have an impact on logistics. Wouldn’t be unheard of if Russian generals “solved” one problem by creating a new one.
The train cars would have been far more useful for carrying supplies.
Amateurs think about tactics, professionals think about logistics, and the Ruzzians… well, never interrupt an enemy who is being an amateur.
Well said, SoL! 😎👍