In an unusual and audacious military strategy, Russian forces have reportedly crawled through an unused 1.4-metre-wide gas pipeline to launch an attack on Ukrainian troops in the Sudzha area of Russia’s Kursk region. This unexpected tactic has been confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff and highlights the increasingly unconventional methods being employed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The use of the pipeline is part of Russia’s broader efforts to recapture parts of its border province, Kursk, which had been seized by Ukrainian forces during a surprise offensive last August. Moscow is now focused on re-establishing control over the region, and the use of the pipeline is seen as a creative, albeit risky, move to strike Ukrainian forces from an unexpected position.
According to reports from a pro-Kremlin blogger on Telegram, Russian soldiers walked roughly 15 kilometres inside the pipeline, which had previously been used by Moscow to transport gas to Europe. The pipeline, now disused, provided the soldiers with a covert route to approach Ukrainian positions without being detected. Some troops were reported to have spent several days inside the pipe, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
The strike on Ukrainian units near the town of Sudzha appears to have been a surprise attack from the rear, catching Ukrainian forces off guard. While the full extent of the casualties is not yet clear, the operation is considered a significant development in the conflict, showcasing Russia’s ability to utilise available infrastructure in novel ways to gain tactical advantages.
This latest attack highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict in the region and the ingenuity of both sides in adapting to the evolving battlefield. As Russia continues to push for territorial gains in Kursk and other areas along the border, such unconventional tactics may become more frequent, further complicating Ukraine’s defence efforts.
