Russian special forces reportedly infiltrated Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region by traveling inside a gas pipeline, according to Ukrainian military sources and Russian war bloggers. This maneuver allowed Russian troops to strike Ukrainian forces from the rear near the border town of Sudzha. Moscow has been pushing to recapture parts of Kursk, which Ukraine had seized during a shocking offensive. The incursion marks a significant shift in tactics as Russia seeks to regain lost territory.
Ukraine’s August offensive into Kursk was its largest incursion into Russian territory since World War II. Ukrainian forces swiftly captured 386 square miles, including Sudzha, and took hundreds of Russian prisoners. Kyiv’s strategy aimed to use captured land as leverage in future peace talks and force Russia to divert troops from eastern Ukraine. However, as months passed, Ukrainian forces in Kursk found themselves facing relentless Russian assaults, with tens of thousands of their soldiers at risk of encirclement.
Russian Troops Use Gas Pipeline for Stealth Attack, Face Logistical Challenges Near Sudzha
Reports from Russian bloggers suggest that special forces navigated nearly nine miles through the gas pipeline before launching their assault on Ukrainian units. The pipeline, previously used to send gas to Europe, provided a concealed route for Russian troops, some of whom spent days inside before striking.
Russian Special Forces Use Gas Pipeline to Ambush Ukrainian Troops Near SudzhaVisual evidence from Russian sources showed soldiers wearing gas masks inside what appeared to be the pipeline. Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russian forces attempted to establish a foothold near Sudzha but were detected and countered with artillery and rockets.
Despite the surprise attack, some Russian sources argue that the assaulting force lacks logistical support. A Russian war blogger, known as Thirteenth, highlighted difficulties in sustaining such an operation, citing a lack of food, water, ammunition, and evacuation options. The absence of these essentials could hinder the success of Russian special forces. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its troops had captured several villages near Sudzha, signaling ongoing territorial gains.
Ukraine’s Defense Strengthens Amid Rising Tensions and Strategic Retaliation Against Russia
As the conflict continues, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine “may not survive” without American support, reinforcing his stance on pushing Kyiv into peace talks. Meanwhile, France announced an additional $211 million in military aid to Ukraine, funded through frozen Russian assets. This package will include artillery shells and glide bombs for Mirage 2000 fighter jets, further strengthening Ukraine’s defenses.
In retaliation, Ukrainian drones targeted Russian oil infrastructure, striking a depot in Cheboksary and possibly damaging a refinery in Ryazan. While Ukrainian officials have not commented on the attacks, the incidents highlight Ukraine’s continued pressure on Russia’s economic assets.
Additionally, tensions flared over concerns about Starlink satellite internet, with Polish and U.S. officials engaging in a heated exchange with Elon Musk over the reliability of the service in Ukraine. Despite the controversy, Starlink remains a critical communication tool for Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.