Russia Deploys Combat Divers to Infiltrate Ukrainian Positions

Russian forces have begun using combat divers to covertly infiltrate Ukrainian lines, according to drone footage released by Ukraine’s Gostry Kartuzy unit.

The video shows a Ukrainian bomber drone detecting and striking a Russian diver who had just crossed a water obstacle.

According to the unit, the target was not a regular infantryman but a soldier with advanced training, wearing a wetsuit to enable extended operations in water.

The use of such divers presents a new challenge for Ukrainian forces, as underwater movement renders thermal imaging ineffective, complicating surveillance and detection efforts.

The tactic appears to be a response to logistical challenges facing Russian troops.

While boats and jet skis offer speed and maneuverability, they have become easy targets for Ukrainian FPV drones, making it difficult for Russian forces to approach Ukrainian-controlled shores safely.

In this regard, the Russian command is probably trying to slowly and covertly accumulate these divers for further assaults and attempts to attack Ukrainian positions.

The divers may be used not only for assault operations but also for delivering supplies such as food and ammunition in sealed containers.

They may also conduct engineering reconnaissance ahead of broader amphibious assaults.