Russian special forces recently launched a surprise attack on Ukrainian troops by creeping through a disused gas pipeline in the Kursk region. Reports from Ukraine’s military and pro-Moscow bloggers detail how these elite soldiers traveled for miles through the dark, cramped pipe to reach the town of Sudzha.
Footage shared on the messaging app Telegram shows the soldiers moving cautiously in the pipeline. As they made their way, some were heard expressing frustration about their mission and the conditions they faced. One soldier exclaimed, "F**g hell, where the f are we, boys?" while another remarked on the absurdity of their long trek through the pipe.
The soldiers reportedly walked around nine miles, a journey that took them several days, according to pro-Kremlin blogger Yuri Podolyaka. Their goal was to approach Ukrainian units from behind and regain control of areas in Kursk that had been captured during a Ukrainian offensive last year.
However, Ukraine’s military quickly responded to the Russian incursion. They confirmed that their airborne assault forces detected the Russian soldiers and launched rocket, artillery, and drone strikes, resulting in significant losses for the attackers. Ukrainian officials reported high casualties among the Russian troops in Sudzha.
This operation highlights ongoing tensions in the region, with Russia attempting to reclaim territory lost to Ukrainian forces. In recent months, the situation has intensified, with over 50,000 Russian troops reportedly involved in assaults against Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned these attacks as inhumane intimidation tactics.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s military faces the challenge of defending against relentless assaults while dealing with the complexities of international support. Recent shifts in U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing have added to the pressure on Ukrainian forces, raising concerns about their ability to withstand the ongoing Russian offensive.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for further engagements as the conflict shows no signs of abating.