The Russians have officially launched the completed railway line from Rostov-on-Don to Mariupol, passing through Hranitne and Malovodne. This information was shared by Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, on his Telegram channel.
Andriushchenko reached this conclusion after analyzing the movement along key stations over the past week.
Specifically, it was noted:
- Aslanove Station: Four mainline diesel locomotives in Russian Railways colors were coupled into two groups, with attached freight cars. The freight cars were filled and partially covered. The cargo and route are not yet confirmed.
- Kalchik Station: One mainline diesel locomotive in Russian Railways colors was observed.
- Sartana Station: Seven passenger cars in Russian Railways colors were observed.
"All this, along with certain details that I cannot disclose due to security reasons of sources and insiders, points to one fact. The railway has been quietly and secretly launched, without announcements or red ribbons. This could significantly alter the situation on the front due to improved logistics for the Russians. And don’t mention the ‘alternative to the Crimean Bridge.’ That’s incorrect. This is a standalone autonomous branch that currently has greater capacity and capability than the bridge,” emphasized Andriushchenko.
He added that the Russians spent 13 months on the railway's restoration. Construction was slowed by two months due to Ukrainian Defense Forces' strikes in winter and delayed by another month due to a sabotage incident at the Kalchik quarry by Mariupol's resistance.
