Ukraine Targets Russia Armored Trains Deployed In Donetsk

In scenes straight out of Russia's post WWI Civil War, the Kremlin has deployed armored trains in an attempt to protect logistics rail convoys and provide psychological if not actual military support to its troops.

While armed and impressive to look at, Ukrainian forces know they can knock the trains out with as little as a shoulder fired rocket launcher, though the real work will probably be done by drones once the trains are located. JL

David Axe reports in Trench Art and Dylan Malyasov reports in the Defense Blog:

Russia's armored trains are an unconventional but deeply rooted element of the country’s military logistics on occupied Ukrainian territory. The armored train is primarily used to escort logistics convoys and conduct reconnaissance and repair missions on railway lines. It is equipped with a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, multiple “Utyos” heavy machine gun mounts, and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle installed directly on one of its flatbed cars. The system is designed to provide protection during critical rail operations in contested areas. It is reportedly somewhere along the Pokrovsk axis  “near Kurakhove, which is a single-track line to Donetsk.”

Russian state media have showcased the continued use of armored trains—an unconventional but deeply rooted element of the country’s military logistics—on occupied Ukrainian territory. 

 

Russia’s war train Yenisei is back in action in Ukraine. It’s protected—but not safe.

New photos from Russian state media depict the armed, armored train reportedly somewhere along the Pokrovsk axis in eastern Ukraine.

Intelschizo narrowed down the likely location to “near Kurakhove, which is a single-track line to Donetsk.”

Long reliant on rails for rear-area logistics, the Russians have historically deployed armored trains not just to safeguard these supply lines, but also to position heavy firepower near the front line.

The state media showed the armored train Yenisey operating under the “Center” group of forces during what officials described as a “combat coordination” exercise.

The Yenisey is equipped with a range of weaponry, including a ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun, multiple “Utyos” heavy machine gun mounts, and notably, a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle installed directly on one of its flatbed cars. The system is designed to provide protection during critical rail operations in contested areas.

 

According to Russian military sources, the armored train is primarily used to escort logistics convoys and conduct reconnaissance and repair missions on railway lines, which remain a priority for sustaining operations in occupied zones.

Captures via Telegram

While largely absent from modern Western militaries, armored trains continue to play a unique role in Russian doctrine. The use of rail-based logistics is seen as essential for maintaining extended supply lines, particularly in the vast and infrastructure-reliant Russian military system.

Military analysts have frequently commented on this dependence. A common phrase among them is, “Where the Russian boot goes, the railway follows,” underlining the importance Moscow places on establishing and defending rail networks immediately behind advancing forces.

Armored trains, though limited in number and operational scope, offer a mobile and partially protected platform for repairing damaged infrastructure under fire.