Russia constructing new railway linking Rostov-on-Don to occupied Crimea via Zaporizhzhya Oblast

Russia has launched the construction of a railway line to connect Rostov-on-Don to occupied Crimea, with the route passing through occupied territory in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti on Nov 6.

The state propaganda agency cited Yevhen Balytskyi, who claims to be “the governor” of the occupied Zaporizhzhya Oblast, in its report.

“The project is already underway, with Yakymivka, southwest of Melitopol, serving as the starting point,” said Balytskyi.

Balytskyi stated that the railway project is in response to the need for a secure transportation route, particularly for essential commodities like grain, iron ore, scrap metal, and coal.

Read also: Suspected sabotage disrupts Russian railways after infrastructure catches fire in 2 regions

An investigation by the Center for Investigative Journalism on Oct. 13 revealed that Russia is developing a railway corridor in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. New railway tracks and bridges have already begun to appear in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya Oblasts.

Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol, has said that the occupiers are working to establish a direct railway link with Mariupol, Volnovakha, and Donetsk.

The decision to construct the new railway is likely linked to the frequent attacks on the illegally built Crimean Bridge at Kerch.

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