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Russia Sends 20,000 Artillery Shells to Belarus as War Supply Chain Expands
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia transported more than 1,300 tons of ammunition to Belarus earlier this month, according to the Belarusian Railway Workers’ Community on September 24.
The shipments were carried out by two separate military trains between September 1 and 17, during the period of the joint Russian-Belarusian “Zapad-2025” exercises. However, the outlet noted that the deliveries were not directly linked to the drills.
The first train departed from Butylitsy station in Russia and arrived at Osipovichi-I in Belarus. It consisted of 11 cars, including one service carriage, five empty wagons used for cover, and five loaded with explosive materials.
Analysts estimated the shipment at approximately 275–300 tons. The consignment originated from Russia’s 2161st Central Base (military unit 96570) and was received by Belarus’s 1405th artillery base (military unit 42707).
The second train, departing from Kuzhenkino station and arriving at Tsentrolit in Belarus, was significantly larger. It carried 20 wagons: one service car, 14 covered wagons with explosive cargo, and five open-top cars likely transporting missile containers.
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The estimated weight of the load reached 1,000–1,070 tons. This shipment was sent from Russia’s 93rd GRAU arsenal (military unit 55443-TD) and delivered to Belarus’s 1393rd artillery depot (military unit 52208).
Based on average loading standards cited by the Belarusian Railway Workers’ Community, a single covered wagon can hold up to 792 crates of 152 mm shells—equivalent to 792 rounds—or 592 crates of 122 mm shells, equal to 1,184 rounds. Open wagons, often used for oversized cargo, can also carry transport containers for air-defense missiles.
In total, the two trains delivered 19 covered wagons and several open wagons with ammunition. This equates to roughly 15,000 artillery rounds, with the figure rising to around 20,000 when open wagons are included.
Earlier, Radio Svoboda reported that a large-scale military base is under construction near Pavlivka in Belarus, possibly intended to host Russia’s new “Oreshnik” missile system. Satellite imagery reviewed by journalists and military analysts shows extensive development since mid-2024, including ammunition depots, hangars, and defensive infrastructure.
