Russian Troops Try Pipeline Infiltration in Sumy Again—Walk Straight Into Ukrainian Ambush

Russian forces have once again attempted to advance into Ukraine’s Sumy region by moving through a gas pipeline near the village of Yablunivka, the press service of Ukraine’s 8th Air Assault Corps reported on February 9.

According to the corps, a group of 22 Russian infantry troops walked into an ambush set by units of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade, which had prior intelligence about the attempted advance.

Ukrainian defenders destroyed the assault group using a mix of weapons, including artillery, FPV strike drones, and bomber-type drones. The number of Russian troops killed or wounded was not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether any soldiers managed to retreat or were taken prisoner.

Russian forces have previously used the same pipeline route in repeated attempts to push deeper into the Sumy region.

Overall, the situation in the Sumy region remains under control. As of February 9, Russian forces were reported to hold approximately 239.79 square kilometers of territory encompassing 14 settlements.

The main combat operations in the area are being conducted by Russia’s 1443rd Motor Rifle Regiment and the 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade.

Additional Russian units operating in the sector include the 51st Parachute Regiment of the 106th Airborne Division and the 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade.

Russian troops continue to probe Ukrainian defenses using multiple tactics, ranging from small infantry groups and armored assaults to attacks involving light vehicles and motorcycles.

Earlier, Russian forces attempted to use a major gas pipeline as a covert route to launch an assault on Ukrainian positions in the Kupiansk sector, but the operation was detected and crushed by Ukrainian airborne troops.

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