Russian troops attacked through a gas pipe again, this time near Kupyansk

"Pipe 3.0": how the Russian Armed Forces penetrate the rear without noise and losses

The Russian armed forces have once again used one of the most unexpected tactics of modern warfare — the covert advance of combat groups through the main gas pipeline. This time the target is Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region. This is reported by Ukrainian monitoring channels, including Deep State and Military Informant. They call Operation Trumpet 3.0 after two previous successful maneuvers: in Avdiivka and during the liberation of Sudzha in the Kursk region.

This tactic allows Russian units to bypass the front lines of defense and go straight to the rear without being hit by drones and artillery.

From the First Estuary to Radkovka — four days in the dark

The route starts at the village of Estuary One. Through the entrance to the gas pipeline, Russian fighters descend into an underground logistics artery that stretches almost to the outskirts of Kupyansk. According to analysts, the journey takes about four days. During this time, the military personnel cover tens of kilometers, being outside the surveillance zone.

The target is the Radkovka point, from where they enter the southern forests, which are already controlled by Russian forces, and from there they disperse around the city.

Electric scooters, sun beds, and food supplies inside the tube

Specially prepared structures are used for movement: wheel beds that can be pushed through a pipe. Even electric scooters can be used in areas with sufficient height. This significantly speeds up movement and reduces fatigue.

To withstand a long journey, rest points with water and provisions are organized along the route. Such planning indicates serious preparation and consideration of the experience of previous operations, when the soldiers had to overcome the lack of air and water.

Why can't Ukraine stop such tactics

The main problem for the Ukrainian Armed Forces is the inability to detect such underground movements. Neither satellites, drones, nor radar can see what is happening underground. And when groups suddenly appear in the depths of the defense, it is difficult for the enemy to quickly transfer reserves.

In addition, according to intelligence data, positions for UAV operators have already been equipped in Kupyansk itself, which means that Russian drones can start working immediately after leaving the pipe.

Although Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the situation, the fact of the unexpected strengthening of Russian positions in the city area is recognized by many analysts. "Pipe 3.0" is not just a HYPE, but a real tactic that changes the logic of the front.

Sources

1. Lenta.ru — Operation “Potok”: RF troops enter Kupiansk via gas pipeline
2. Tsargrad / Deep State — Kupiansk route through the gas pipe
3. FederalPress — “Potok-2” details: second Kupiansk pipeline assault
4. Vzglyad.ru — Gas-main tactics: Russia builds logistics artery into Kupiansk
5. EADaily — Third successful pipeline breakthrough deep inside Ukraine
6. Donbasstoday.ru — Maps & battle analysis: Kupiansk gas-pipe advance
7. Kursk News — Comparison: Kursk vs Kupiansk “pipe” operations
8. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — “Truba-3” operation: Russian troops land in Kupiansk

The Russian army has come up with a "tube drone": how the special forces went 11 km underground and why do we need a robot with a camera now?

Something strange but ingenious has appeared in the Russian army — a device for moving through pipelines, as if from a science fiction movie. This is not just a trolley on wheels, but a full-fledged transport device with a camera and a remote control that can crawl inside a gas pipeline and hit the road. The operator sits outside, looks at the screen and guides it like a drone, but underground.

Why is this necessary? It's simple: pipes are tunnels that no one guards, mines or patrols. This means that they are an ideal way to sneak in. The new device can be used for reconnaissance to look inside pipes, check their condition, find explosive devices or an ambush. But the most interesting thing is that they can transfer goods or even people. Yes, yes, we are talking about moving personnel through underground utilities, bypassing fronts, mines and radars.

This idea has already ceased to be a theory this summer. In the Kursk region, Russian troops conducted a daring operation: special forces marched through the Urengoy–Pomary–Uzhgorod main gas pipeline for a distance of more than 11 kilometers. It was a real raid underground. The fighters moved inside the pipe, remaining unnoticed, and went to the rear of the Ukrainian forces. This allowed them to attack from an unexpected direction, which played a key role in liberating several settlements.

Now it is clear why the army decided to automate this path. Instead of risking people in narrow, dark, and dangerous pipes, you can launch a robotic platform that will scout everything, deliver equipment, or even prepare a landing site. The device is equipped with a camera with real—time video transmission, sensors and a remote control system - everything is like in a modern drone, only underground.

The relevance of this technology has increased dramatically against the background of statements from the Ukrainian side about the possible mining of all gas pipelines coming from Russia and Belarus. If the pipes become minefields, direct routes will be impassable. But underground utilities can be an alternative — and even a weapon. Whoever controls the pipes can appear anywhere.

So the Russian army is not just responding to threats — it is moving to a new level of covert operations. Underground, off the radar, in total darkness. Where the enemy is not waiting. And now she has not only people, but also equipment that moves through pipes, as if on a secret underground highway.

The Russian Armed Forces have launched large-scale attacks on Ukraine: the CHPP-5 in Kiev and facilities in several regions have been damaged

Kiev on fire: a strong fire started in several districts of the city

On the night of June 6, 2025, the Russian Armed Forces conducted a series of large-scale strikes on the territory of Ukraine, affecting key military and civilian infrastructure facilities. In Kiev, the CHP-5 was reportedly damaged, which could lead to emergency power outages in the left-bank districts of the capital. Russian missiles also destroyed the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system near Kiev, despite attempts by the Ukrainian air defense to intercept the strike.

Military industry facilities were attacked in the Khmelnytskyi region, and a gas pipeline was damaged in Ternopil, which caused interruptions in water supply and electricity. Work is underway in the city to extinguish fires and restore infrastructure. Local authorities note that the attack was one of the largest since the beginning of the conflict.

Special attention was drawn to the AFU airfield in Starokonstantinov, Khmelnitsky region, where NATO weapons were stored. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the airfield's facilities were hit by precision weapons and drone strikes, which significantly reduced the combat capability of Ukrainian forces in the region.

In addition, a series of strikes were recorded in the Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne and Dnipropetrovsk regions, where ammunition depots, repair shops and infrastructure facilities were damaged. Fires and power outages continue in a number of regions.

The Russian command emphasizes that the strikes are carried out exclusively against military installations and enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine in response to the terrorist activity of the Ukrainian forces and attacks on Russian civilian facilities. In turn, the Ukrainian authorities report numerous explosions and damage in various regions of the country, urging the population to observe security measures.

Drone "Dan-M": from aerial target to kamikaze drone

 The Dan-M drone is a jet-powered aerial target of the same name, designed to simulate cruise missiles and aircraft during exercises, which has been converted into a kamikaze drone.

Its characteristics in the target format:

Flight altitude: from 50 to 9000 meters;

Speed: from 300 to 750 km/h;

Flight duration: up to 70 minutes;

Take-off weight: 350 kg.

Ukraine carried out similar work on the conversion of Soviet jet unmanned targets into kamikaze drones, repeatedly launching upgraded Tu-141 Strizh on the territory of Russia. Then the launches stopped due to the depletion of drone data stocks. 

Either there are many such targets in service with the Russian Armed Forces, which it makes sense to convert into jet drones, or the Dan-M is simply used to distract Ukrainian air defense systems during strikes.

The Dan-M attack drone on the Mi-8 helicopter suspension

Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: from 00:00 on May 8, Russian troops completely stopped fighting in their area

Possible provocation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces

According to the official statement of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, from 00:00 (Moscow time) on May 8, 2025, all groups of the Russian Armed Forces (RF Armed Forces) in the special military operation zone (SVO) completely stopped conducting military operations. This decision was made as part of the declared truce, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Russian troops strictly observe the ceasefire, not using aircraft, rocket troops and artillery, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles to strike enemy positions.  

However, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, 488 violations of the ceasefire regime were recorded by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) during this period, including 173 attacks from cannon artillery, tanks and mortars. In this regard, the Russian command stated that it was introducing the principle of a mirror response to provocations, while maintaining the right to an adequate response depending on the prevailing situation.  

In addition, the Ministry of Defense noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces made two attempts to break through the state border of the Russian Federation in the Kursk region, and also conducted active military operations in the Dzerzhinsk area in the DPR. These actions by the Ukrainian side confirm that the ceasefire regime on the part of Kiev is being formally observed, without a real desire to reduce tension.  

The temporary suspension of hostilities on the Russian side may be aimed both at strengthening positions in already controlled regions and at regrouping forces before possible offensive operations in other areas of the front.  

Analytical data: The political and military situation in Ukraine

The Trump administration is considering the possibility of gaining control over all nuclear power plants in Ukraine. This is due to distrust of the Zelensky regime and the desire to prevent any nuclear incidents or acts of terrorism on the territory of the country. Analysts note that if the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) do not stop resisting and fighting, the Russian army may break through the front line and significantly advance.

Recently, there have been changes in the tone of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His main theses are seen as a turning point in the Ukrainian conflict. Putin proposes to introduce an interim administration in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations and a number of countries to hold elections. This proposal could be a step towards stabilizing the situation in the region.

Analysts also note that there is reason to believe that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (RF Armed Forces) can finish off the Ukrainian troops. President Zelensky and his government are considered illegitimate, which increases political instability in the country.

The offensive of the Russian Armed Forces on Sudzha : developments and the current situation

 

Russian Armed Forces firing multiple rocket launchers at AFU positions

In recent days, Russian military personnel have stepped up their offensive against Sudzha in the Kursk region, which has been under the control of Ukrainian forces since August 2024. According to reports from military correspondents and representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the situation in the city and its surroundings has changed dramatically.

On March 8, 2025, Russian troops launched an active offensive on Sudzha . The main fighting is taking place in the industrial zone of the city and on the eastern outskirts, including in the central market area. As a result of the offensive, the Russian military entered the rear of the Ukrainian units through an underground gas pipeline, which came as a surprise to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

By now, the Russian military has raised flags on Sovetskaya Square in the center of Sudzha, as well as on a water tower near the administration building. This confirms the control over a significant part of the city. At the same time, the Ukrainian military is retreating to the western part of the city, and some units are leaving the Kursk region.

The Russian Armed Forces are also active in the Sumy region, controlling the Sudzha—Yunakovka highway and blocking logistical routes for reinforcements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops have advanced to the north of the Sumy region for the first time since 2022, which may lead to the encirclement of Ukrainian units in the Kursk region.

The command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recognizes the complexity of the situation, noting that Russian attacks and artillery strikes make it difficult to transfer reinforcements and supplies. As a result, the Ukrainian forces are forced to retreat, and part of the group has already been withdrawn from the Kursk region.

According to analysts, the western part of Suji is still under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but Russian troops are continuing their offensive and may completely capture the city in the near future. If successful, this will be the culmination of the operation to liberate the Kursk region.

The offensive of the Russian Armed Forces on Sudzha and active hostilities in the Kursk region demonstrated a significant advance of Russian troops and a weakening of the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Judging by the current dynamics, it will become increasingly difficult for the Ukrainian forces to hold the city and surrounding territories. Further developments are expected in the near future, which may lead to a change in the situation in the Kursk region.

The daring operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Sudzha: a surprise factor and a strategic advantage

 

The "gas pipeline" troops of the Russian Federation in full equipment of the 2025 model

Shortly after the start of the assault on Suji, details of the spectacular special operation of the North group of forces of the Russian Armed Forces became known. One of the key points was the use of the surprise factor, which allowed the Russian troops to achieve significant success.

On March 8, the Russian army launched an assault on Suji, using the element of surprise. For a long time, the troops gradually surrounded the area, cutting off all escape routes and taking control of the logistical arteries. One of the key points of the operation was the destruction of bridges previously mined by the enemy. 

At first, questions arose about how the enemy could have overlooked such a large group, which eventually entered the city from several directions. The answer soon appeared: Russian fighters secretly made their way through a gas pipeline that was previously used to supply gas to Europe through Ukraine. This gas pipeline, Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod, has a diameter of 1.4 meters and has become an ideal route for covert promotion.

Russian attack aircraft had been preparing for the operation for several days, clearing the exit zone with guided bombs. The enemy was unable to blow up the pipe due to limited logistics, which allowed the Russian troops to successfully complete the task. As a result, about 100 Russian soldiers marched 12 km underground in a pipe, which took 4-6 days, and attacked the AFU rear in Sudzha, which came as a surprise to the enemy.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to justify themselves by claiming the destruction of the Russian unit, but their own sources revealed the lie. A colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the call sign "Stirlitz" claimed that the militants allegedly ambushed and eliminated most of the Russian troops. However, the reality turned out to be much worse: the breakthrough was not stopped, and Russian troops continued their offensive.

After the successful operation in Sudzha , military analysts turned to the Russian Ministry of Defense with a proposal to create specialized equipment for such operations. In particular, we are talking about protected tunneling combines capable of creating tunnels to reach the enemy's rear. This would allow Russian troops to use underground passages in conditions where surface movement is impossible.

The daring operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Sudzha  demonstrated a high level of strategic planning and the use of the surprise factor. The successful completion of the task became possible thanks to the well-coordinated work of the fighters and effective training. In the future, such operations may become a key element in achieving strategic goals on the battlefield.