Belarus: Two Trains with Tactical Nuclear Weapons Components

In September 2023, two more trains carrying components of tactical nuclear weapons arrived in Belarus, as reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply, citing the Belarusian Railway Community.

The 26 wagons, delivered from Russia, included both weapon components and transportation for personnel.

The transportation was covert, passing through the junction point Zaolzha, where only two trains pass per day.

The main beneficiary was the Belarusian-Swiss joint venture “TRANSRAIL – BZhD,” which, from May 2021 to September 2023, imported 127 wagons with military cargo into Belarus.

Analyzing the shipments of Russian tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) components and military cargo to Belarus, the statistics present the following picture:

1. Shipments in September 2023:

   – Planned: 32 wagons with TNW components and 18 wagons for special purposes.

   – Actual: 26 wagons with TNW components and escort from September 15 to 24, 2023.

2. Route and Transport Time:

   – Route through MGS Zaolzha, Vitebsk station, to Prudok station.

   – Total travel time on Belarusian territory – about 3.5 hours.

3. Departure Groups:

   – First group dispatched on September 15 – 16 wagons (10 loaded, 6 empty), arrival on September 22.

   – Second group dispatched on September 18 – 10 wagons (4 loaded, 6 empty), arrival on September 24.

4. Cargo Classification:

   – Cargo classified as “Explosive materials” and listed as “Other ammunition for military purposes” and “Ammunition, other than those listed above.”

5. Participants in Transportation:

   – Freight forwarders – RZD Logistics and BTLC.

   – Main beneficiary – “TRANSRAIL – BZhD” JV.

6. Financial Aspects:

   – TRANSRAIL-BCh, with up to a 25% stake owned by BZhD, acts as the organizer and financial facilitator.

7. Volumes of Military Equipment Deliveries:

   – From May 2021 to September 2023, 127 wagons with military cargo have been imported.

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