Russia Sends Combat Divers to Breach Ukrainian Lines, But Drones Strike First, Video

Russian forces have begun deploying combat diver units to covertly cross rivers and infiltrate Ukrainian positions, according to footage and field reports released by Ukrainian defense units.

A video published by the Ukrainian National Guard’s special unit “Hostri Kartuzy” shows a drone strike targeting a Russian diver shortly after he crossed a water barrier.

The footage captures the moment of identification and a subsequent precision strike by a Ukrainian drone-bomber, according to Militarnyi on May 5.

According to Ukrainian forces, these are not conventional infantry troops but specially trained personnel equipped with wetsuits that enable extended underwater movement. Such equipment renders them undetectable by thermal imaging, complicating surveillance and early warning efforts.

This tactic appears to be a response to the growing inefficiency of using fast boats and jet skis, which, despite their speed, have become easy targets for Ukrainian FPV drones.

The shift toward underwater infiltration suggests an attempt by Russian command to avoid drone detection and build up assault groups near Ukrainian positions with greater stealth.

In addition to direct assault missions, these diver teams may also be used to transport supplies and ammunition in sealed containers or conduct engineering reconnaissance ahead of potential amphibious operations.

Earlier, Russian forces began constructing net-covered “tunnel roads” along key supply routes in occupied Donetsk, including near Karlivka on the E50 highway, to shield troop and equipment movements from Ukrainian drone strikes.

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