Pipeline Infiltration by Russian Troops in Ukraine Meets Unexpected End

Russian assault troops attempted to infiltrate Ukrainian rear positions through a major gas pipeline in the Zaporizhzhia region were captured by Ukrainian forces after traveling more than 13 kilometers inside the underground route.

According to Ukrinform on May 17, the operation was confirmed by Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces, who said Russian troops had been preparing to use the pipeline system for logistics and covert infiltration for an extended period.

“This is an entire system and controlled infrastructure with elements of logistics, shelters, and even internal communications,” Voloshyn said.

According to Voloshyn, Russian troops established communication posts, bypass tunnels, and dugouts inside the pipeline network. The entry points were reportedly located in Russian-controlled territory, while exits were positioned near Ukrainian defensive lines on the Orikhiv axis in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukrinform reported that captured Russian soldiers said the assault groups used a 1,000 mm diameter gas pipeline and moved through it using “carts and scooters.” The troops reportedly traveled more than 13 kilometers underground before reaching Ukrainian positions.

One captured Russian soldier, quoted in footage released by Ukraine’s 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade, described how the operation was organized.

“It became clear that we were sent there as cannon fodder. Everyone already understood perfectly well that there was no way back for us. After each group entered, the pipe was welded shut. Every group that went in—whether 8, 6, or 12 people—the pipe was welded behind them,” the prisoner said.

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War in Ukraine

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According to Ukrinform, the pipeline used in the operation may have been part of the Shebelynka–Dnipropetrovsk–Kryvyi Rih–Izmail gas transportation corridor, specifically branches connected toward Enerhodar or Melitopol.

The report added that Ukrainian forces had prepared the area near the pipeline exits in advance. Captured Russian troops said leaflets containing surrender instructions had been scattered near the exit points before Ukrainian FPV drones, heavy bomber drones, and infantry units engaged the infiltrating groups.

“When the ‘Baba Yaga’ and FPV drones flew away, I heard soldiers speaking. At first I didn’t know who it was, but then I realized they were Ukrainian soldiers,” one captured Russian serviceman said in footage published by the 65th Brigade.

Earlier, Russian forces attempted a similar infiltration in Ukraine’s Sumy region through a section of the Druzhba gas pipeline near Yablunivka. According to Ukraine’s 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade, Ukrainian troops repelled the assault, marking at least the fourth known pipeline infiltration attempt in 2026.

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