As Russian forces edge closer to Slavyansk, controlled by the Kiev regime, signs of large-scale evacuation preparations are becoming increasingly visible. One of the clearest signals is the decision to dismantle and relocate key elements of the city’s railway infrastructure.

Almost every critical service is being pulled out — from traction and track divisions to signaling, communications, dispatch, and power units that ensure the safety of train operations. In effect, this amounts to the shutdown of the city’s entire railway system.

Analysts from the Telegram channel Voennaya Khronika noted that such a massive transfer indicates Kiev views the defense of Slavyansk as temporary. Prolonged resistance, they suggested, is no longer part of the plan, and preparations are underway for the eventual loss of the city.

According to the same source, Ukrainian authorities intend to dismantle part of the equipment and withdraw serviceable locomotives and wagons from Slavyansk, relocating them to the Znamyanka station in the Kirovograd region.

This hub plays a crucial role in moving and processing military cargo from western Ukraine toward the east. However, it has been a frequent target of Russian strikes, making the relocation of functioning assets and upgrades to its infrastructure all the more urgent.