Fact Check: "Russian Railways is prioritizing military freight over civilian transport."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Russian Railways (RZD) is experiencing a significant decline in freight volumes, with a reported decrease of nearly 6.8% from January to April 2025, and an even sharper drop of 8.6% in April alone (source-1). This decline is attributed to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has forced Russia to redirect its logistics and transport resources towards military needs. The sanctions imposed on Russia and the loss of external markets have further exacerbated the situation, leading to a sharp reduction in civilian freight transportation (source-1).
Additionally, analysts have noted that due to limited freight capacity, Russian railways are prioritizing the transportation of higher-value goods, which often includes military supplies, over traditional civilian freight such as coal (source-2). This shift in priorities is further compounded by systemic issues within the railway system, which has been forced to cut back on investments in infrastructure and rolling stock due to the economic strain caused by the war (source-1).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Russian Railways is prioritizing military freight over civilian transport is substantial. The decline in freight volumes across various sectors, including metallurgy, construction, oil, and agriculture, indicates a systemic shift in logistics priorities (source-1). Moreover, the focus on transporting higher-value goods, which typically includes military supplies, suggests that civilian transport is being deprioritized in favor of military logistics (source-2).
Furthermore, reports of coordinated sabotage targeting railway infrastructure, aimed at disrupting military supply lines, highlight the critical role that railways play in supporting military operations (source-5). This underscores the importance of military logistics in the current context of the war, further validating the claim that military freight is being prioritized.
While some sources discuss the potential for balancing military and civilian needs (source-3), the prevailing evidence suggests that the current operational reality for Russian Railways is one of prioritization of military logistics over civilian transport.
Conclusion
The claim that "Russian Railways is prioritizing military freight over civilian transport" is True. The evidence indicates a clear trend of declining civilian freight volumes due to the redirection of resources towards military needs, exacerbated by sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The systemic issues within the railway infrastructure further support this conclusion.
Sources
- War has derailed Russian railways | Центр протидії дезінформації
- Russia's railways grapple with Asia pivot, sanctions and ...
- This is all you need to know about military mobility
- This is all you need to know about military mobility
- Coordinated Sabotage Disrupted russian Railways in March 2025 ...
- Off the rails. Disused trains, record-low cargo and engine ...
- Military mobility - European Parliament
- Russian Rail System Faces Growing Bottlenecks as Logistics ...
