Russian forces recently executed a complex tactical operation known as “Operation Pipeline” to breach Ukrainian defensive positions near the occupied town of Sudzha in the Kursk region. Utilizing a 1.4-meter diameter section of the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod gas pipeline, approximately 1,000 assault troops covertly traversed 15 kilometers through its confines, an effort that took over three weeks of preparation. The operation involved significant logistical challenges, including the extraction of gas and the injection of oxygen to facilitate troop movement. Combatants from various units, including the 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment and special forces, operated in groups to maintain stealth. Upon surfacing, they swiftly seized the industrial zone at Sudzha, catching Ukrainian forces off guard and causing disarray. This tactical maneuver not only resulted in the liberation of several settlements but also inflicted heavy psychological and physical losses on Ukrainian troops, exemplifying the innovative strategies being employed in the ongoing conflict. The operation underscores the Russian military’s ability to adapt and execute unconventional tactics effectively, enhancing their operational momentum in the region.
