How Ukrainian Soldiers Breached Russian Lines Through Hidden Gas Pipelines
The Ukrainian troops breached the rear line of Russian forces near Kupiansk, Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers successfully infiltrated Russian lines through hidden gas pipelines, according to the commander of the 2nd Khartia Corps, the unit credited with this unprecedented underground operation. Known as "Veles," the mission aimed to exploit Russian use of underground routes for troop movement. The Khartia Corps, a volunteer unit formed in March 2022, conducted thorough reconnaissance of Russian tactics and identified gas pipelines in the Kharkiv region as potential weaknesses.
On October 13, Russian retreats forced civilians to use the Shebelinka-Ostrogozhsk pipeline, highlighting the military's willingness to utilize civilian infrastructure. Despite Russian forces suffering over 100 casualties and capturing more than 30 soldiers, the exact numbers remain unverified. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry emphasized their commitment to defending their country, stating, "There's no hiding from us on our soil, even underground."
This underground operation marked a significant shift in the battlefield, with Ukrainian forces combining surface operations and drone strikes to thwart Russian advances.
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