Russian forces have made significant gains in the Kursk region, which includes the pipeline operation that has gained notoriety. This has led to a near-complete encirclement of Ukrainian forces, leaving them in a chaotic situation, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who visited a battle command center in the region on Wednesday.
Russia has recently intensified its counteroffensive in the Kursk region, which was partially captured by Ukrainian forces in August 2024. General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov reported on the progress of the operation, highlighting the “heroism” of the combined assault team of the Volunteer Corps of Veterans, which consisted of over 600 people.
Gerasimov stated, “The assault team of this combined formation, which used a gas pipeline to cover a distance of about 15 kilometers and infiltrate the Ukrainian forces’ combat formations.”
The secret operation, dubbed “Operation Potok” or “Stream” marked a departure from the prolonged phase of positional warfare in Kursk. A specially trained unit infiltrated Ukrainian positions by moving through a disused pipeline, which transports Russian gas to Europe, until Kyiv shut it down on January 1, 2025.
“These maneuvers surprised the enemy, contributed to the collapse of their defense and developed our offensive” Gerasimov added.
Putin praised the veterans, including members of the 11th Airborne Brigade, the 30th Motorized Rifle Regiment and the Special Unit Akhmat, for their “bravery and efficiency.” He also commended over a dozen other units and formations involved in the liberation of occupied areas.
The operation was planned for months and executed in early March. The journey through the pipeline was arduous, as soldiers spent several days adjusting to the narrow, poorly ventilated pipe.
Oxygen supply was a major issue, as remaining gas in the pipeline made breathing difficult. Engineer teams installed makeshift ventilation systems and drilled air holes to alleviate the problem.
Fighters moved in small groups, spaced to maintain a constant oxygen flow, while vital supplies like water and essential equipment were transported on carts.
After days of waiting near the exits, Russian troops launched their attack on March 8, leaving the pipeline through pre-prepared openings and quickly securing key positions.
The Ukrainian forces, caught off guard, attempted to resist but were either neutralized or forced to retreat, leaving behind their equipment and supplies. Russian reinforcements, including armored vehicles, soon arrived to consolidate the gains.
This is not the first time Russian forces have employed this infiltration tactic. A similar method was used in January 2024, when Russian spotters outflanked Ukrainian positions in Avdeyevka (Donetsk People’s Republic) by moving through a disused pipeline.