KYIV: Russia has been targeting Ukrainian railway lines via airstrikes, in order to disrupt the delivery of essential US weaponry to the front and complicate military logistics, an intelligence source based in Kyiv told reporters on Friday.

Russia’s defence minister told members of the press on Tuesday that Moscow plans to step up its attacks on logistics centres and storage sites, housing Western weaponry.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced $6 billion in new military aid for Ukraine on Friday as Washington rushes to fill gaps left by months of limited American assistance.

The package is the second this week, following another valued at $1bn that was announced just after President Joe Biden signed a much-delayed bill to provide new funding for Ukraine as it struggles to hold back Russian advance.

“I’m... pleased to announce today an additional commitment of $6bn through our Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative,” Austin told journalists, saying it will allow the procurement of new capabilities for Kyiv from US industry.

Defence minister says Moscow plans to ramp up strikes on storage sites housing Western weaponry

Ukrainian rail infrastructure was engaged by Russian strikes in the eastern Donetsk region, northe-astern Kharkiv region and central Cherkasy region, the national rail company said on Thursday.

The attack in Donetsk, which is the primary focus of Russia’s eastern offensive, claimed the lives of three electrical mechanics who worked for the railway company and wounded four more, it said.

In Kharkiv, bordering Russia, a strike hit the railway station within the city of Balakliia. The airstrike injured 13, including three rail workers, according to officials. Ukrainian officials seldom provide comprehensive statements about strikes on sensitive military targets. However, the Ukrainian intelligence source confirmed to media sources that attacks on rail infrastructure aimed to disrupt the supply of weaponry. “Also, the overall complication of our logistics,” the source added.

Outnumbering and outgunning Kyiv’s forces many times over, Russian troops gained battlefield momentum in February, after capturing the long-time bastion town, Avdiivka.

A Pentagon official stated on Thursday that the objective of United States aid was to “enable Ukraine to regain the initiative”.

Kyiv is faced with a shortage of manpower in the field of battle and questions persist over the strength of its fortifications along a sprawling 1,000-km frontline.

Russia has periodically targeted rail infrastructure since the war broke out, about 26 months ago.

Ukrzaliznytsia, the railway company, had temporarily withheld all deliveries to the southern Black Sea port of Chornomorsk, earlier this month. It cited no reason for the decision.

Ukrainian media outlets reported that Russian attacks could have damaged railway tracks which connect the port’s cargo terminals.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2024