Between December 2022 and January 2023, these delays impacted U.S. efforts to supply Ukraine with critical ammunition as its stock began to deplete. Defense One obtained the report under the Freedom of Information Act, highlighting logistical challenges faced by the U.S. in its ongoing support of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022.
The report indicates that a deficiency within the contract between the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and Deutsche Bahn led to “multiple delays,” ultimately affecting the timely delivery of munitions. Although the exact nature of the deficiency is redacted, the arrangement lacked certain essential elements or requirements, which contributed to a delay in rail service availability. In one case, a lack of rail service prompted the use of chartered ships to transport the ammunition, incurring an additional $1.6 million cost for the United States.
Without an adjusted agreement, future delays in munitions transport may continue to pose challenges to the timely support of Ukraine, the report noted. EUCOM’s deputy director for logistics acknowledged the need to address gaps in the current arrangement and agreed to consider alternative shipping methods, including expanding the use of different seaports.
The issue is compounded by limitations within Germany’s rail infrastructure, which faces bureaucratic constraints, limited investment, and a shortage of flat-bed wagons suitable for military freight. The German Council on Foreign Relations reported in June that these factors, along with commercial transport demands on DB Cargo, restrict the rail network's capacity to handle increased military shipments. Although a recent agreement allows the German military access to 343 flat wagons, Deutsche Bahn Cargo’s resources are stretched thin by commercial transport obligations.
This report underscores the operational complexities faced in transporting military goods across Europe, where commercial and military logistics often compete for infrastructure access.
