The implementation of another stage of importing components of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and related equipment (hereinafter – TNW) into the Republic of Belarus via railway routes began in early September 2023.
Previously, we published information on the involvement of Belarusian Railway (BZD) in the import of TNW into Belarus, where possible departure stations from Russia were indicated. We also provided information on the procedure for importing TNW into Belarus.
It should be noted that individual stages of TNW components delivery have been completed. For example, to Prudok station (Vitebsk Division of the Belarusian Railway) at military unit 94017 (2631st Aviation Base of Missile Armaments and Ammunition), some parts, components, and equipment related to this type of weapon were delivered as early as June 2023, in accordance with the first stage of delivery.
In addition, the delivery of Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system kits continues to Belarus. The warhead of missiles from this system can also be equipped with a tactical nuclear charge.
To maintain maximum secrecy, TNW parts are delivered in small groups of 3-6 railcars with a dedicated locomotive. The number and index assigned to such a train at the initial station are changed before passing junction points between different railways, both on the Russian Railways (RZD) network and before crossing the Russian-Belarusian border. Thus, when departing from an RZD station, a train containing special railcars changes its number and index when crossing the border with the Moscow Railway and before arriving at the first freight station in Belarus. With each such change of number and index, the train's departure (destination) station also changes.
📍 Since August 26, we have recorded the following shipments from RZD to BZD of railcars in groups of 3 to 6 units, which had train numbering corresponding to troop trains, and with signs of concealing the true departure (and destination) station:
- August 26, 2023, with border crossing around 03:00 (GMT+3);
- September 04, 2023, with border crossing around 18:00 (GMT+3);
- September 05, 2023, with border crossing around 02:00 (GMT+3);
- In addition, after September 5, two more troop trains were noted with signs of concealing the true departure (and destination) station.
Trains were received in the Republic of Belarus via the transfer section Krasnoe (Russia) → Osinovka (Belarus).
In total, at least 5 trains falling under the category of troop trains were noted, according to the type of cargo transported. The final destination stations for these trains in Belarus are: Baranovichi-Polesskie and Luninets (Baranovichi Division of the Belarusian Railway). We previously reported on the plans for cargo deliveries to these stations.
📍 The implementation of the next stage of delivery of TNW components and related equipment to Belarus is also confirmed simultaneously by several of our information sources directly involved in the organization of transportation.
In addition, there are still about three “shipments” to Prudok station (Vitebsk Division of the Belarusian Railway) of TNW components and related equipment, planned for October – November 2023 from RZD stations. The cargo of special railcars in these shipments is indicated as “Other ammunition – for military purposes.” Given the maintained level of secrecy in these transports, specific movement dates may change operationally.
We continue to monitor and track movements of TNW-related cargo.
