The British Ministry of Defense reconnaissance unit, in a recent review of the Russian-Ukrainian war, analyzed the situation regarding the construction by Russia of a railway line through the occupied territories of Ukraine.

According to British Ministry of Defense, analysts noted that on March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned the construction of a railway line from Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia through the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Crimea.

Putin stated that the new line should ultimately reach Sevastopol and is intended to provide redundancy for the Kerch Strait Bridge. He also claimed that the first completed section of the railway restores access to Berdiansk. This railway connection passes through territory that could be targeted by Ukrainian long-range precision systems.

The new railway line south of Donetsk is nearly 60 km long and was constructed in eight months, according to the review. It is likely one of Russia's largest infrastructure projects in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as noted by the British Ministry of Defense. This branch restores railway connectivity disrupted by hostilities in the Donetsk area.

It is quite probable that one of the primary objectives of the new line will be to support Russian activity in Mariupol. In this port city, devastated by Russia in 2022, the Azovstal metallurgical plant and other heavy industry facilities are located. Although currently severely damaged, Russia may attempt to repair and operate these facilities in the future, emphasized British analysts.