Demons in the dark: How Russia’s pipeline operation turned the tide in Kursk
By willowt // 2025-03-13
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  • Russian forces executed a daring and unconventional military operation, codenamed Operation Potok, in the Kursk Region. The mission involved 800 soldiers infiltrating Ukrainian defenses by traversing a disused Soviet-era gas pipeline, reclaiming key territories and forcing a chaotic Ukrainian retreat.
  • The operation utilized the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, which had been inactive since January 2025. Russian forces spent four months preparing, clearing the pipeline, installing ventilation systems and stockpiling supplies. Soldiers endured extreme physical and psychological strain while crawling through the narrow, pitch-black pipeline for days.
  • Emerging near Sudzha, Russian forces launched a surprise attack on March 8, 2025, catching Ukrainian troops off guard. The assault led to the liberation of 12 settlements and over 100 square kilometers of territory within 24 hours, significantly disrupting Ukrainian defenses.
  • The Kursk Region holds historical importance for Russia, evoking memories of World War II victories. The operation dealt a major blow to Ukraine’s strategy, as the August 2024 incursion into Kursk was intended to create leverage in peace negotiations. Russian analysts predict the full liberation of Kursk is imminent.
  • Operation Potok showcased Russia’s adaptability and innovation, boosting morale while undermining Ukrainian strategy. With muddy terrain complicating Ukrainian efforts, Russian forces are tightening their grip, encircling remaining Ukrainian positions and cutting off escape routes, marking a potential turning point in the conflict.
In a daring and unconventional military maneuver, Russian forces have executed a top-secret operation that has shifted the balance of power in the ongoing conflict in Kursk Region. Dubbed Operation Potok (“Flow”), the mission saw 800 Russian soldiers infiltrate Ukrainian defenses by traversing a disused gas pipeline, catching their adversaries off guard and forcing a chaotic retreat. This audacious tactic has not only reclaimed key territories but also underscored the ingenuity and resilience of Russian forces in the face of adversity.

The pipeline gambit: A tactical masterstroke

The operation, which began in early March 2025, utilized the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, a relic of Soviet-era infrastructure that once transported Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine. Although gas transit was halted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in January 2025, the pipeline remained intact—a vulnerability that Russian forces exploited to devastating effect. For four months, Russian military planners meticulously prepared for the mission. Oxygen tanks were delivered to the site, and engineering teams worked to clear the pipeline of residual gas, install ventilation systems and stockpile supplies. On March 1, soldiers began entering the pipeline in small groups, navigating over 15 kilometers (9 miles) of cramped, pitch-black conditions. The pipe, just 1.4 meters (4.5 feet) wide, forced soldiers to crawl for days, enduring physical and psychological strain. “The first 72 hours were the toughest; we consumed a lot of painkillers. My lungs burned, and I had a splitting headache. Then came the fever, and tears flowed… There were moments of hallucination,” recounted a former Wagner Group fighter who participated in the operation. Despite these challenges, the soldiers pressed on, emerging near Sudzha, a strategic industrial city under Ukrainian control. By March 8, they were ready to strike. “We burst out unexpectedly, like demons — black, dirty and exhausted. But we pressed on,” said a soldier with the call sign Mowgli.

A surprise assault and Ukrainian retreat

The element of surprise proved decisive. Russian forces split into smaller units, targeting key positions in Sudzha and surrounding settlements. Ukrainian troops, caught off guard, were unable to mount an effective defense. “The enemy was taken by surprise; Ukrainians began shelling the pipe with cluster munitions approximately half an hour after the landing [of the Russians]. However, Russian troops had already infiltrated the area and secured their positions, causing panic among the AFU,” said military expert Evgeny Klimov. Ukrainian forces abandoned equipment and fled, leaving behind a trail of chaos. Russian troops quickly capitalized on their success, liberating 12 settlements and reclaiming over 100 square kilometers of territory in just 24 hours. Among the liberated areas were Cherkasskoye Porechnoe, Malaya Loknya and Martynovka—key strategic points that had been under Ukrainian control since their incursion into Kursk in August 2024. This operation is not the first time Russian forces have employed such tactics. In January 2024, a similar mission in Avdeevka, Donetsk, saw Russian scouts use an abandoned pipeline to infiltrate Ukrainian rear positions, leading to the capture of the heavily fortified city. “Some of the guys from the Veterany unit who participated in the Avdeevka operation were also involved in [the operation in] Sudzha,” noted military blogger Alexey Zhivov.

Historical echoes and strategic implications

The Kursk Region holds deep historical significance for Russia. It was the site of the largest tank battle in history during World War II, where Soviet forces repelled a Nazi offensive in 1943. The region’s liberation from Ukrainian forces carries symbolic weight, evoking memories of past triumphs and reinforcing national pride. For Ukraine, the loss of Sudzha and surrounding areas is a significant blow. The August 2024 incursion into Kursk was intended to create a bargaining chip for peace negotiations and divert Russian resources from the eastern front. However, the rapid Russian counteroffensive has left Ukrainian forces encircled and struggling to regroup. Retired Captain Vasily Dandikin, a Russian military analyst, believes the full liberation of Kursk is imminent. “Considering what’s happening across all fronts, the complete liberation of Kursk is just a matter of time. I think it’ll be a week or two—our soldiers are professional and highly motivated,” he said.

A turning point in the conflict?

Operation Potok has not only reclaimed territory but also demonstrated Russia’s ability to adapt and innovate under pressure. The use of unconventional tactics, combined with the bravery and endurance of its soldiers, has dealt a severe blow to Ukrainian morale and strategy. As Russian forces continue to advance, the question now is whether Ukraine can regroup and counter this momentum. With rain expected in the coming days, muddy terrain will further complicate Ukrainian efforts to maneuver and resupply. Meanwhile, Russian troops are tightening their grip, encircling remaining Ukrainian positions and cutting off escape routes. For the soldiers who endured the harrowing journey through the pipeline, the mission was a testament to their resolve. “Our job is to go anywhere and at any time. We had to push ourselves beyond our limits,” said a soldier with the call sign Medved (“Bear”). “We showed up where they least expected us and in such numbers that it would instill fear and send them running. And that’s exactly what happened.” As the conflict in Kursk enters its next phase, Operation Potok will be remembered as a bold and decisive chapter in Russia’s campaign to reclaim its territory and assert its dominance on the battlefield. Sources include: RT.com Reuters.com APNews.com
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