Russian Troops Attempt Breakthrough via Druzhba Pipeline in Sumy Region

Russian troops attempted to advance through a gas pipeline in Ukraine’s Sumy region near the settlement of Yablunivka. To distract attention, they simultaneously launched an assault on motorcycles.

This was reported by the press service of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade.

According to the military, thanks to coordinated actions by service members of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade and supporting units, the actions were detected and stopped in time.

Total enemy losses amounted to 35 killed and 17 wounded. Ukrainian forces also destroyed three motorcycles and four ATVs.

OSINT analyst @moklasen on X identified that Russian troops exited the pipeline northwest of Yablunivka before being eliminated by Ukrainian forces.

This is at least the fourth attempt by Russian troops in 2026 to enter the rear of Ukrainian units in this sector using sections of the Druzhba gas pipeline.

The first attempt was recorded in early February. At that time, a group of 22 Russian infantrymen was ambushed by units of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade, which had prior information about the advance of the troops.