The train is protected by armoured plates of unknown thickness and is designed to transport materials, to restore and demine tracks that are damaged, and for engineering reconnaissance.

Russian sources dispute Yenisei's role as a combat vehicle, claiming rather that the train is used for humanitarian purposes such as the delivery of water, medicines and food for civilians in Donbas, and evacuating over a thousand people from the combat zones.

[10][11] In addition to the above weapons, Yenisei also ferries a group in charge of maintaining and firing a number of 82-BM-37 mortars both either on or outside of the train.

[13][14] Not much is known on Yenisei's military service outside of Russian claims that it was primarily used for refugee evacuation.

[15] The train - likely to be Yenisei given the presence of a loaded BMP-2 - was conducting a new form of engagement procedure that was more 'front-line' than the traditional 'rear-line' logistical support role it was originally given.