Some headlines* about Russian strikes on Ukrainian military depots, which I came across after querying Russia Today about Ukrainian troop losses (https://www.rt.com/search?q=Kiev%E2%80%99s+losses+of+military+personnel), made me  wonder about any strikes that Russia might have made since the initial months of the war on the tunnels being used to send military equipment from Poland to Ukraine, as I could vaguely recall that this had been the case in the first year of the war. My belief is that Russia has not done so since that time because the objective of its leadership is to eliminate any threat to the Donbass and to Crimea for a good twenty years (i.e. from ‘conception to conscription’, my coinage) by killing off as many Ukrainian males as possible through the war of attrition it is waging against its foolish neighbour.
 
So I turned to two AI chatboxes (i.e. Perplexity.ai and Bing Copilot) in the hope that these applications might offer some insights into why Russia has not yet destroyed the transport infrastructure through which military equipment is being delivered to Ukraine. Even though the answers returned to my queries were a little disappointing, there are two key takeaways: not only is it worth rephrasing (or refining) one’s initial query, but it is better to use several AI chatboxes rather than relying on just one.

*
28.04.2024
In Video: Russian Ballistic Missile Hit Drone Warehouses Near Ukraine’s Dnipro
https://southfront.press/in-video-russian-ballistic-missile-hit-drone-warehouses-near-ukraines-dnipro/

Russia destroys hundreds of US-made rockets in Ukraine – MoD
A depot containing HIMARS rockets and ammunition for M777 weapon systems was successfully targeted, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed
Aug 9, 2022 12:56
https://www.rt.com/russia/560525-russia-destroys-himars-rockets/

Russia takes out 45,000 tons of NATO ammo – MoD
A depot housing Western-supplied ammunition has been destroyed in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed
Aug 7, 2022 13:49
https://www.rt.com/russia/560405-russia-ukraine-depot-nato-strike/

Ukraine reveals huge weapons losses
Ukraine has lost up to half of its heavy weapons and Western supplies are unable to fill the gap, military has said
Jun 17, 2022 20:05
https://www.rt.com/russia/557365-weapons-kiev-losses-russia/


Russia 'strikes Ukraine tunnel on border to... - Mirror Online
Russian troops have been filmed attacking a railway tunnel connecting Ukraine with Slovakia in a bit to stop military supplies from the West reaching Kyiv.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/russia-strikes-ukraine-tunnel-border-27128043
page 2 of    https://yandex.com/search/?text=Tunnel%20Poland%20Ukraine%20military%20equipment




Me:
Why did Russia attack this tunnel if it was not being used for the specific purpose I mentioned at the beginning of our conversation?

Bing Copilot:
Russia's attack on the **Beskydy Tunnel** may seem puzzling given that it was not directly involved in transporting military hardware and ammunition from Poland to Ukraine. However, several factors could explain this aggressive action:

1. **Strategic Importance**:
   - The Beskydy Tunnel is a critical **transportation link** between Ukraine and the European Union.
   - Even though it wasn't specifically used for military supplies, its disruption could still impact overall logistics and trade.
   - By targeting the tunnel, Russia aimed to create chaos, disrupt civilian and commercial traffic, and weaken Ukraine's connectivity.

2. **Symbolic Message**:
   - Military actions often carry symbolic weight beyond their immediate impact.
   - Attacking infrastructure like the Beskydy Tunnel sends a message of aggression and dominance.
   - It serves as a warning to both Ukraine and the international community that Russia is willing to escalate hostilities.

3. **Psychological Warfare**:
   - Russia's invasion of Ukraine involves not only physical battles but also psychological warfare.
   - Striking key infrastructure can create fear, uncertainty, and anxiety among civilians and military personnel.
   - The Beskydy Tunnel attack may have been part of this broader strategy.

4. **Disruption of Aid and Supplies**:
   - While the tunnel itself wasn't directly involved in military shipments, its destruction could indirectly impact aid and supplies.
   - Disrupting transportation routes can hinder the movement of humanitarian assistance, fuel, and other essential goods.

5. **Military Intelligence**:
   - Russia likely has intelligence on the logistics network between Poland and Ukraine.
   - They might have believed that the tunnel played a more significant role than publicly known.
   - Alternatively, they might have hoped to catch military convoys or equipment in transit.

In summary, the attack on the Beskydy Tunnel reflects a combination of strategic, symbolic, and psychological motives. It underscores the complexity of the conflict and the broader implications beyond specific supply routes. 🌐🚂🔥



Me:
Have you not heard of the Beskydy tunnel?

Bing Copilot:
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beskydy_Tunnel ""
[2]: https://bing.com/search?q=Beskydy+tunnel ""
[3]: https://www.railway-technology.com/news/ukraine-launches-beskyd-railway-tunnel/ ""
[4]: https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2018-125-beskyd-railway-tunnel-completed-and-put-into-operation ""

Certainly! The **Beskydy Tunnel** (Ukrainian: *Бескидський тунель*) is a remarkable railway tunnel that traverses the Carpathian Mountains, connecting the towns of **Beskid** and **Skotarske**. Let me share some fascinating details about this engineering marvel:

1. **Historical Context**:
   - The original Beskydy Tunnel was constructed in **1886** and spanned **1,750 meters** (approximately **5,740 feet**).
   - Over time, the tunnel's capacity became insufficient to meet the growing demand for rail traffic between Ukraine and Europe.

2. **The New Beskydy Tunnel**:
   - Recognizing the need for an upgrade, discussions began in **1998** to create a new tunnel parallel to the existing one.
   - Construction commenced in **2014**, employing the **New Austrian Tunneling Method**.
   - In **January 2016**, a significant breakthrough was achieved, and the new tunnel was inaugurated in late **May 2018** by Ukrainian President **Petro Poroshenko**.
   - The new tunnel boasts a length of **1,822 meters** and is enveloped by up to **180 meters** of rock.
   - Its internal dimensions—**8.5 meters** in height and **10.5 meters** in width—accommodate a double-track railway.
   - Interestingly, the old tunnel now serves as a rescue route for the new one.

3. **Enhanced Capabilities**:
   - The maximum speed within the tunnel was increased from **40 km/h** to **70 km/h**.
   - As a result, the Beskydy Tunnel can now handle **50 to 100 trains daily**, constituting nearly **60%** of all rail traffic between Ukraine and the European Union.
   - This improvement significantly reduces journey times between **Lviv** and the Ukrainian border town of **Chop**, facilitating exports of domestic products to neighboring countries.

4. **Financing and Expertise**:
   - The project received financial support from the **European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)** and the **European Investment Bank (EIB)**.
   - The EBRD invested **$40 million**, while the EIB contributed **€55 million** (equivalent to **$64.5 million**) for construction.
   - Technical expertise from the EU, particularly from Austria, played a crucial role in supporting the tunnel's development.
   - The construction process involved approximately **130,000 tonnes of concrete** and **8,000 tonnes of steel**.

5. **Recent Events**:
   - During the **2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine**, the Beskydy Tunnel was targeted by Russia.
   - On the night of **June 1-2, 2022**, at least two **Kalibr cruise missiles** struck a section of the tunnel.
   - The attack aimed to disrupt weapon and fuel supplies from the West to Ukraine.
   - The governor of **Lviv Oblast**, **Maksym Kozytskyy**, confirmed the incident¹[1].

The Beskydy Tunnel stands as a testament to human ingenuity, bridging nations and fostering deeper integration between Ukraine and the European Union. 🚂🌄🌟

Source: Conversation with Bing, 28/04/2024
(1) Beskydy Tunnel - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beskydy_Tunnel.
(2) Beskydy Tunnel - Wikipedia. https://bing.com/search?q=Beskydy+tunnel.
(3) Ukraine launches Beskyd railway tunnel - Railway Technology. https://www.railway-technology.com/news/ukraine-launches-beskyd-railway-tunnel/.
(4) Ukraine: Beskyd railway tunnel completed and put into operation. https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2018-125-beskyd-railway-tunnel-completed-and-put-into-operation.
(5) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beskydy_Tunnel.



Me:
Are there any tunnels which link Poland to Ukraine?

Perplexity.ai:
Sources
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beskydy_Tunnel
2. https://www.ebrd.com/news/2018/opening-of-beskyd-tunnel-moves-ukraine-closer-to-europe.html
3. https://tvpworld.com/76341710/rail-operator-pkp-agrees-deal-to-build-polands-longest-tunnel
4. https://www.railtech.com/infrastructure/2023/10/02/two-connections-from-poland-and-czech-republic-to-ukraine-launch-this-autumn/
5. https://notesfrompoland.com/2024/03/11/polands-longest-tunnel-to-slash-train-journey-times-from-krakow/

Answer
Based on the search results provided, there is no mention of any tunnels directly linking Poland to Ukraine. However, the results discuss some relevant infrastructure projects:

1. The Beskydy Tunnel is a railway tunnel in western Ukraine that connects the Ukrainian rail network to European rail corridors, facilitating exports to neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia.[1] This tunnel was attacked by Russian missiles in June 2022 to disrupt weapon supplies to Ukraine.[1][5]

2. PKP (Polish State Railways) has agreed to build Poland's longest railway tunnel between the villages of Męcina and Mordarka, but this is an internal Polish project not directly linked to Ukraine.[3]

3. Two new rail connections from Poland (Warsaw-Rava-Ruska-Bryukhovychy) and Czech Republic (Chop-Prague) to Ukraine are planned to launch in autumn 2023, operated by Polish SKPL and Czech RegioJet respectively.[4] However, these do not involve any new tunnels across the Poland-Ukraine border.

4. Ukrainian Railways is working on modernizing tracks like Rava-Ruska-Bryukhovychy to connect to the European 1435mm gauge network and developing Lviv as a European rail hub, but again no cross-border tunnels are mentioned.[4]

So in summary, while there are plans to improve rail connectivity between Poland/EU and Ukraine, the provided search results do not indicate the existence of any operational tunnels directly linking the two countries across their border as of now.[1][3][4][5] The focus seems to be on upgrading existing rail infrastructure on both sides.

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beskydy_Tunnel
[2] https://www.ebrd.com/news/2018/opening-of-beskyd-tunnel-moves-ukraine-closer-to-europe.html
[3] https://tvpworld.com/76341710/rail-operator-pkp-agrees-deal-to-build-polands-longest-tunnel
[4] https://www.railtech.com/infrastructure/2023/10/02/two-connections-from-poland-and-czech-republic-to-ukraine-launch-this-autumn/
[5] https://notesfrompoland.com/2024/03/11/polands-longest-tunnel-to-slash-train-journey-times-from-krakow/



Me:
Are there any tunnels which link Poland to Ukraine?

Bing Copilot:
As of my last knowledge update in 2021, there are **no physical tunnels** that directly link **Poland** and **Ukraine**. However, there are **logistical routes** and transportation networks used for moving goods, including military supplies, between the two countries.

The primary means of transport include **roads**, **railways**, and **air routes**. These routes facilitate the movement of people, goods, and equipment across the border. For instance:

1. **Roads and Railways**: Trucks and trains transport goods between Poland and Ukraine. Major border crossings, such as those at **Hrebenne-Rava Ruska** and **Dorohusk-Jagodin**, serve as key points for trade and transportation.

2. **Air Routes**: Flights operate between cities in Poland (such as **Warsaw**, **Krakow**, and **Lublin**) and Ukrainian cities (such as **Kyiv**, **Lviv**, and **Kharkiv**). These flights are essential for both civilian travel and cargo transport.

3. **Logistical Hubs**: Cities like **Rzeszow** in Poland play a crucial role in facilitating international aid. They serve as hubs for receiving and distributing supplies, including military equipment, to Ukraine.

Keep in mind that the situation may have evolved since my last update, so I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on transportation links between Poland and Ukraine. 🌐🚚🛤️🛫



Me:
What is the name of the tunnel through which military hardware and ammunition are sent from Poland to Ukraine?

Bing Copilot:
[1]: https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-us-to-deliver-weapons-via-germany-and-poland/a-68912696 ""
[2]: https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-quietly-shipping-ammo-to-ukraine-from-massive-stockpile-in-israel-report/ ""
[3]: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3318508/us-sends-ukraine-400-million-in-military-equipment/ ""
[4]: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/5/weapons-to-ukraine-which-countries-sent-what ""

The tunnel through which military hardware and ammunition are sent from **Poland** to **Ukraine** is not an actual physical tunnel but rather a logistical route. The **US Department of Defense** has been preparing for this operation, and they are ready to send ammunition to Ukraine via **Poland** and the **US Army's logistics centers in Germany**¹[1]. This supply chain involves transporting the necessary equipment and munitions across borders to support Ukrainian forces in their defense against Russian aggression.

Ukraine has implemented a **decentralized logistics system** to protect these supplies during their journey within the country. Rather than loading everything onto a single train, they distribute the shipments across different trains, often operating at night. Additionally, Ukraine benefits from a fleet of heavy-duty transporters for road deliveries. Despite Russia's air superiority, they have failed to destroy any trains or convoys bringing ammunition or equipment from **Rzeszow, Poland**, into and through Ukraine¹[1].

The regional airport in **Rzeszow**, located in southeastern Poland, serves as a crucial hub for international aid. It is expected that US aircraft coming from Germany will land there, facilitating the movement of arms and munitions by rail or C-17 aircraft¹[1]. This coordinated effort aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities during this critical conflict.

For more information, you can refer to the original article [here](https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-us-to-deliver-weapons-via-germany-and-poland/a-68912696).

Source: Conversation with Bing, 28/04/2024
(1) US to send weapons to Ukraine via Germany, Poland. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-us-to-deliver-weapons-via-germany-and-poland/a-68912696.
(2) US to send weapons to Ukraine via Germany, Poland. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-us-to-deliver-weapons-via-germany-and-poland/a-68912696.
(3) US quietly shipping ammo to Ukraine from massive stockpile in Israel .... https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-quietly-shipping-ammo-to-ukraine-from-massive-stockpile-in-israel-report/.
(4) U.S. Sends Ukraine $400 Million in Military Equipment. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3318508/us-sends-ukraine-400-million-in-military-equipment/.
(5) Weapons to Ukraine: Which countries have sent what?. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/5/weapons-to-ukraine-which-countries-sent-what.



Me:
What is the name of the tunnel through which military hardware and ammunition are sent from Poland to Ukraine?

Perplexity.ai:
Sources
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwa%C5%82ki_Gap
2. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/25771598/nato-warplanes-putin-missiles-poland-ukraine/
3. https://global.espreso.tv/russian-soldiers-tunnel-toward-ukrainian-military-positions-in-avdiivka-area
4. https://www.spacewar.com/m/reports/Poland_Lithuania_say_can_help_return_military-aged_men_to_Ukraine_999.html
5. https://www.reddit.com/r/MilitaryPorn/comments/19fmbbw/russian_sapper_in_an_underground_tunnel_to_make_a/