UK intelligence explains for Ukraine's focus on targeting railways

The UK Ministry of Defense has outlined this in their recent report.

The report highlights that Russia heavily relies on its railway network to transport ammunition, armored vehicles, fuel, and personnel into Ukraine to support its invasion.

However, the railway infrastructure remains vulnerable to Ukrainian artillery, missile attacks, and sabotage.

The British Ministry of Defense points out that in past conflicts, disrupting rail transport necessitated sustained and repeated attacks from air or ground forces.

British intelligence also notes that Russia is actively working to maintain and expand the railway infrastructure in Ukraine, even constructing a new rail branch to Mariupol, which could enhance logistics to the Zaporizhzhia region. Russia employs civilian contractors and equipment for this construction.

The intelligence underlines that this new rail line near Mariupol is a potential target for Ukrainian high-precision long-range strike systems.

• Additionally, Russian forces are reportedly attempting to establish a direct railway connection between Russia and the temporarily occupied cities of Mariupol, Volnovakha, and Donetsk in the Donetsk region. 

• Defense Express analysts suggest that building such a railway line might not significantly improve Russia’s position, as it could result in isolated railway segments.