Russian forces repeated their “underground breakthrough” tactic by using a major gas pipeline to try to infiltrate behind Ukrainian positions on the Orikhiv front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. However, this time Ukrainian forces were waiting for them with drones, surrender leaflets, and a full encirclement, according to Ukraine’s 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
More than 70% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast is under Russian occupation. However, the region's main city, Zaporizhzhia, remains under Ukrainian control.
Ukrainian forces knew about operation in advance
According to Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn, Ukrainian intelligence had received advance information about the planned operation.
Russian troops reportedly even trained to move through gas pipelines at special training grounds in occupied territory.
But the assault failed almost immediately after the Russian soldiers emerged from the pipeline.
Drones and surrender leaflets awaited troops
When the Russian assault groups exited the gas pipeline, Ukrainian drones were already monitoring them.
The soldiers also found leaflets near the exit explaining how to surrender safely to Ukrainian forces.
As a result, some Russian troops chose not to fight and laid down their weapons voluntarily.
“The first words were: ‘Do you want some water?’ They took us in, bandaged us, and fed us,” one captured Russian soldier said.
According to him, Ukrainian troops treated them “better than their own Russian commanders.”
“There was no way back”
Captured Russian soldiers also claimed their commanders had effectively sent them on suicide missions.
According to their statements, after each assault group passed through the pipe, the section behind them was welded shut so nobody could retreat.
“Everyone clearly understood there was no way back for us. After each group, the pipe was welded shut,” the soldiers said.
According to the prisoners, such assault groups typically consisted of six to twelve soldiers who were effectively used as disposable assault units.
