In January 2024, Russian troops infiltrated Ukrainian-held areas near Avdiyivka through partially flooded tunnels, leading to the city’s capture. In March 2025, Ukrainian forces faced surprise attacks in Kursk, where Russian soldiers used underground gas pipelines. A recent operation north of Kupiansk involved Russian units utilizing an abandoned pipeline network to advance secretly. They traveled as much as 13 km under the Oskill River, but Ukrainian officials suggested their attempts were thwarted, with many Russian soldiers killed or captured.
Ukrainian military sources acknowledged some underground operations and claimed that Russian advances were limited. Despite initial denials, evidence from open-source battlefield trackers indicated a Russian advance towards Kupiansk’s outskirts. Ukrainian commanders noted challenges in countering these pipeline attacks due to the extensive underground system, which remains difficult to defend against. The situation highlights the evolving tactics of both armies, particularly the Russian use of underground networks.
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