After deepening the Mariupol port canal, it will be able to accommodate large cargo ships. This is a logistical concern for Russian forces, as it would allow them to establish a major logistics hub along with the railway. This information was shared by Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol, during an interview with Radio Svoboda.
According to him, there is currently a dredging vessel working in the occupied Mariupol port. This vessel is responsible for deepening the harbor. As a result of this work, large vessels, not just "river-sea" class ships with shallow drafts, will be able to enter the port.
Andriushchenko emphasized the significance of the railway connection, which starts at the Mariupol port. This railway could potentially become a major logistical hub. With both a sea port and a railway that may become operational in the near future, the situation is of concern if effective measures are not taken to stop it. The consequences of this development could be seen as soon as spring.
There are several key points to consider in this situation:
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The proximity of the Mariupol port to the Russian port of Yeysk, which is located within 30 nautical miles of Mariupol. Yeysk's port also has the capability to accommodate large vessels.
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Other nearby Russian ports in Rostov-on-Don, occupied Kerch, and Sevastopol.
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The presence of a military airfield near Yeysk that can handle large cargo aircraft. This means that, from a military logistics perspective, a plane departing from Yeysk could reach the Mariupol port in approximately three hours. Loading and unloading cargo would take a significant amount of time, even during daylight hours and in winter conditions.
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The potential risks associated with this development for military logistics. Establishing a strong logistical connection between Yeysk and Mariupol would be a top priority for the Russians, and it appears they have been working on this issue for about a year.
"Fortunately, it hasn't come to that yet. But we see that there are certain shifts already happening. And the railway suggests that perhaps they have found some solution after all," explains Andriushchenko.
Mariupol was captured by Russian forces in May 2022 after nearly three months of fierce fighting. During this time, a significant portion of buildings and other structures in the city were destroyed. The exact number of casualties is unknown, with estimates ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands.
Ukraine and international human rights organizations accuse Russia of committing numerous war crimes in Mariupol. These include shelling a maternity hospital and striking the Dramatic Theater, where people were taking shelter. The Russian Ministry of Defense dismisses these accusations as "fake news."
