How Belarus Fuels Russia’s Military Machine

Report: Belarusian Rail Exports - Belarus’ Military Cargo Shipments to Russia and Beyond Revealed

Introduction: The Belarusian Rail Lifeline to Russia’s War Machine

(This information is provided by the Belrusian Railroad Workers Community)

In 2024, while much of the world focused on high-profile battlefronts and diplomatic posturing, a quieter but equally critical logistical operation was unfolding along the railway tracks of Belarus. These steel arteries, stretching from Minsk to Moscow and beyond, carried more than just cargo—they transported the lifeblood of Russia’s war effort.

Through exclusive data, this report exposes how Belarus has deepened its complicity in fueling the Russian military-industrial complex. From the heavy-duty military trucks rolling out of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant to the deadly shipments of ammunition bound for Russian arsenals, every wagon tells a story of strategic support.

But Belarus' involvement doesn’t stop at its eastern neighbor. Military cargo, shrouded in secrecy, also made its way to third-country buyers through Russian ports, signaling a more extensive network of arms transfers. With this information, we lay bare the scale of these operations, the recipients of Belarusian military exports, and the implications for global security.

This isn't just a logistics report. It’s a revelation of how authoritarian alliances sustain warfare—and why these supply chains must be confronted.

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Belarusian Cargo Exports by Rail in 2024: Final Report

In 2024, Belarusian cargo exports were primarily conducted by rail. Some indicators characterizing this type of economic activity were provided for the first three quarters of 2024. As more accurate and complete information on various exporters, types of cargo, and recipients has been received and processed, this report presents the results of Belarusian Railway transportation in 2024.

I. Export of Products of Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant OJSC (MZKT) to Russian Defense Industry Enterprises in 2024 – Supplemented Data

In a previous report on the export of Belarusian goods to Russia for the first nine months of 2024, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) was highlighted as one of the largest exporters. This section supplements the earlier report by covering MZKT deliveries during the fourth quarter of 2024.

Export Volume Overview

• First 9 months of 2024: 200 wagons with wheeled vehicles and components.
• Fourth quarter of 2024: 106 additional wagons.
• Total for 2024: 306 wagons.

Cargo Breakdown by Type (UTSNC Code)

• Trucks (381072): 219 wagons.
• Means of transportation (391303): 31 wagons.
• Automobile trailers (381231): 29 wagons.
• Railway wagons (421034): 27 wagons.

Rolling Stock Distribution

Fourth Quarter of 2024:
• Platforms (PL) – 97 units.
• Covered wagons (KR) – 9 units.

Total for 2024:
• Platforms (PL) – 279 units.
• Covered wagons (KR) – 27 units.

Recipients in the Russian Federation

Fourth Quarter of 2024:
• JSC Obukhovsky Zavod – 30 wagons.
• JSC Instrument-Making Design Bureau – 18 wagons.
• JSC Nizhny Novgorod Plant of the 70th Anniversary of Victory – 16 wagons.
• PJSC Almaz Research and Production Association – 15 wagons.
• PJSC Nizhny Novgorod Television Plant (Nitel) – 6 wagons.
• JSC Tyazhmash – 6 wagons.
• JSC Shumerlinsky Plant of Specialized Vehicles – 5 wagons.
• JSC Titan-Barrikady – 4 wagons.
• CJSC Special Design Bureau (SKB) – 4 wagons.
• JSC Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol – 2 wagons.

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II. Export of Ammunition and Other Weapons from Belarus to Russian Military Units and Storage Arsenals in 2024 – Supplemented Data

Export Volume Overview

• Total for 2024: 192 wagons.

Cargo Breakdown by Type (UTSNC Code)

• Explosive materials (693142): 117 wagons.
• Other cargo (693087): 66 wagons.
• Carriages for conductors (421161): 9 wagons.

Rolling Stock Distribution

• Gondola cars (PV) – 94 units.
• Railway platforms (RP) – 66 units.
• Covered wagons (CR) – 32 units.

Recipients in the Russian Federation

• Military Unit 55443-114-GS (23rd Arsenal, Staraya Toropa): 99 wagons.
• Military Unit 55443-50 (8th Arsenal, Rybinsk): 70 wagons.
• Military Unit 57229-40 (68th Arsenal, Mozdok): 16 wagons.
• Military Unit 54169-VD (51st Arsenal, Kirzhach): 7 wagons.

III. Export of Military Cargo to Third Countries*

Export Volume Overview

• Total for 2024: 21 wagons.
• Destination: Bronka Station (Oktyabrskaya Railway).
• Recipient: Phoenix LLC (Bronka Port).
• Forwarder: Biznesinvest Garant LLC.
• Consignor: State Military-Industrial Committee of Belarus.

Cargo Breakdown by Type (UTSNC Code)

• Special vehicles (381091): 15 wagons.
• Consolidated shipment (693227): 2 wagons.
• Radar equipment (401115): 3 wagons.
• Carriages for conductors (421161): 1 wagon.

Rolling Stock Distribution

• Railway platforms – 17 units.
• Gondola cars – 3 units.
• Covered wagons – 1 unit.

*Third party countries are being withheld

Executive Summary

In 2024, Belarusian cargo exports were largely conducted via rail. The Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) was a significant exporter, primarily supplying wheeled vehicles and components to Russia’s defense sector. Exports totaled 306 wagons, with an increase in shipments in the fourth quarter.

Additionally, Belarus exported 192 wagons of military cargo, including explosives and other armaments, to Russian military units. These shipments were transported using gondola cars, platforms, and covered wagons. Key recipients included various Russian arsenals and military bases.

Belarus also exported military-related cargo to third countries via the Russian port of Bronka. A total of 21 wagons containing special vehicles, radar equipment, and consolidated shipments were re-exported. The transactions were facilitated by Biznesinvest Garant LLC and the Belarusian State Military-Industrial Committee.

The data confirms Belarus' continued role in supplying military and defense-related equipment to Russia, while also engaging in arms re-export through Russian ports. Future reports may provide updates on additional shipments as more data is confirmed

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