Ukrainian military analysts from the DeepState project report that Russian forces have used underground pipes for the third time to infiltrate their groups, following previous incidents near Sudzha, Russia, and in Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast.

According to DeepState, “Entrances to the pipe are located in the Lyman Pershyi area. For movement through the pipe, specially developed wheeled stretchers are used, as well as electric scooters where height allows.”

The infiltration route represents a four-day journey to the outskirts of Kupiansk.

“The route to the vicinity of Kupiansk takes approximately 4 days, so special rest areas and food supplies have been prepared along the way,” DeepState analysts reported.

According to the Deep State, organized Russian groups reach Radkivka without serious losses, and then move south to the forest they control. After this, they disperse in Kupiansk and reach the railway.

Once in Kupiansk, Russian forces have established operational infrastructure. According to the analysts, positions for launching Russian FPV pilots are already present within the city itself.

The presence of Russian forces in Kupiansk creates additional operational challenges for Ukrainian forces. Deep State reported that the problem lies in the absence of forced evacuation of local residents who remain in the same buildings as the enemy, which prevents strikes from being carried out.

This infiltration method follows a pattern established in March, when approximately one hundred Russian military personnel passed through a gas pipeline to Defense Forces positions in the Sudzha area on the morning of 8 March.