Russians Again Attempt to Infiltrate via Gas Pipeline, This Time in Sumy Region

Russian forces again tried to advance in Ukraine’s Sumy region by moving through a gas pipeline near the village of Yablunivka.

The 8th Air Assault Corps reported that a group of 22 Russian infantry soldiers entered an ambush prepared by units of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade, which had advance intelligence about the enemy’s movement.

Ukrainian forces destroyed the Russian assault group using a combination of weapons, including artillery, FPV drones, and bomber drones.

The exact number of Russian casualties has not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether any of the attackers escaped or were captured.

The Russians are not using this pipeline for the first time in attempts to advance in the Sumy region.

Earlier, on January 8, a combat clash took place between the settlements of Andriivka and Oleksiivka, where the enemy attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses.

According to the released video footage, during the initial stage of the attack, five enemy infantry groups tried to covertly approach the positions of Ukrainian paratroopers.

Ukrainian forces detected the enemy’s movement in time and struck them while they were still approaching the defensive line.

After the failure of the first attempt, more than a dozen Russian soldiers tried to use the gas pipeline for a concealed advance.

This maneuver also ended with the assault group being destroyed under fire from Ukrainian units.

Situation in the sector

Overall, the situation in the Sumy region remains under control. As of February 9, the enemy controls 239.79 square kilometers of territory, including 14 settlements.

Units of the 1443rd Motor Rifle Regiment and the 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade are undertaking the main fighting.

Also operating in this sector are the 51st Parachute Regiment of the 106th Airborne Division and the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade.

The enemy is attempting to advance using various tactics, including small infantry groups, armored assaults, and attacks involving light vehicles and motorcycles.