Russian troops try to infiltrate Ukraine through gas pipeline, ISW says
Russian troops attempt to infiltrate Ukraine's Sumy region undetected (photo: Getty Images)
For two consecutive days, Russian forces attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses on several sections of the front but failed almost everywhere. The heaviest fighting has been in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions and near the Donetsk region, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Russian forces again use a gas pipeline for infiltration attempts
In the northern Sumy region, Russian forces have resumed attempts to infiltrate Ukrainian territory through the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhhorod gas pipeline from the direction of Sudzha.
According to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces have tried to use the pipeline for such incursions twice over the past week. They failed to advance.
In the Kharkiv region, Russian forces recently advanced in Vovchansk. Ukrainian forces responded by striking Russian positions in the southern part of the city.
Situation in the Kharkiv direction (photo: understandingwar.org)
At the same time, ISW analysts are skeptical of Russia's claims that it captured the settlements of Pilna and Novooleksandrivka. According to their data, Russian units remain a considerable distance from these villages.
Lyman and Sloviansk directions
Near Lyman, Ukrainian forces continue counteroffensive operations against Russian troops. Russian forces attacked in this direction on September 20 and 21 but made no confirmed advances.
Situation in the Lyman direction (photo: understandingwar.org)
In the Sloviansk direction, Russian forces also attempted attacks near Kryva Luka and toward Mykolaivka. These efforts were unsuccessful.
At the same time, Russian forces are increasing their use of drones, artillery, and aviation, preparing the battlefield for further breakthrough attempts.
Near Kostiantynivka, Russian forces continued offensive operations west and southwest of the city. No confirmed advances were recorded there on September 20 or 21.
Russian aircraft were striking Ukrainian positions and infrastructure in the area during this period.
In the Dobropillia direction, Russian forces are attempting to infiltrate in small groups and supporting their attacks with airstrikes. Ukrainian drones are preventing them from consolidating their positions in captured areas.
ISW emphasizes that despite the high tempo of attacks in this direction, Russian forces have made few confirmed gains there.
During the Vivaldi offensive operation in the northern Donetsk region, the Third Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine deployed a kamikaze ground robotic system more than 10 kilometers behind enemy lines for the first time in the world.
The systems were transported there by heavy bomber drones of the Third Assault Brigade, while Ukrainian units simultaneously used electronic warfare systems to conceal the plan of the offensive.
Meanwhile, on the night of September 21, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed a rare Kasta radar station worth around $60 million near Pikuzy in the Donetsk region and also struck a Russian drone command post near Dniproenerhiia.
