Russian forces attempt infiltration of Sumy via gas pipeline

Russian forces are attempting to infiltrate behind Ukrainian lines by using the Urengoi-Pomary-Uzhgorod gas pipeline to transport troops. These attempts are focused on the northern part of the Sumy region, moving from Russia's Kursk region into Ukraine.

According to a spokesperson for Ukraine's 8th Air Assault Corps, Russian troops have attempted to use the pipeline at least twice in the past week to move groups into the Ukrainian rear. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that one of the groups involved in the operation consisted of approximately one platoon.

This tactic has been used previously, including during the battle for Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and during fighting in Sudzha. Ukrainian military representatives stated that their units have been monitoring pipeline routes and destroying shelters near exits to prevent Russian soldiers from emerging quickly. While Russian state media has characterized these operations as successful, reports indicate that many Russian soldiers have died within the pipelines or were killed immediately upon exiting.