By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Amidst ongoing struggles to advance in Ukraine, Russian forces are utilizing unconventional tactics to evade drone strikes and transport troops and supplies. Recent reports indicate the use of empty gas pipelines as routes for movement, specifically near Kupyansk, a crucial rail hub southeast of Kharkiv. Soldiers are reportedly using a gas pipeline under the Oskil River as part of a military operation aimed at recapturing the city. This approach highlights the innovative, albeit desperate, measures being taken in the conflict.
Read the original article here
Russia Sends Troops Through Idle Gas Pipes to Evade Drone Threat, a truly bizarre turn in the already unconventional conflict. It’s a chilling testament to the lengths to which the Russian military is willing to go, and the desperation that likely fuels such tactics. The idea itself is almost comical, but the reality is anything but. Imagine, soldiers being forced to crawl through these dark, often ancient, and undoubtedly filthy pipes to evade the ever-present threat of Ukrainian drones.
The logistical nightmare of this situation is staggering, to say the least. You’re essentially trapped within a metal tube with no easy escape. Then there’s the environment itself. These pipes, even if originally designed for gas, can harbor a cocktail of contaminants. They’re likely coated in residue and who knows what else, making the air quality atrocious, not to mention the potential for physical injury. This isn’t just a tactical maneuver; it’s a health hazard of the highest order.
“Pipeline forces” – the name given to these unfortunate troops – highlights the bizarre nature of this conflict. They are essentially turning Soviet-era infrastructure into subterranean crawl spaces, a physically demanding mission. Considering the potential hazards, like black lungs from inhaling the contaminated air and the ever-present risk of being attacked, it seems almost like a suicide mission.
The response from the Ukrainian side is equally grim. To counter this tactic, they’re flooding sections of the pipes or lining them with barbed wire. Both options are designed to turn the gas pipelines into death traps. Flooding guarantees drowning while the barbed wire adds a layer of gruesome physical trauma to the equation. The conflict has clearly become a game of lethal innovation and counter-innovation, a macabre ballet of improvised warfare.
The medical consequences are already emerging. Reports indicate a new medical term is arising: “gas pipe syndrome.” This phrase likely encompasses a range of severe respiratory and health issues experienced by soldiers who’ve been through the pipes. Lung cancer, other respiratory illnesses, and long-term health problems seem inevitable. The long-term prognosis for those subjected to this ordeal is grim, to put it mildly.
It’s difficult to fathom the conditions these soldiers are enduring. One can only imagine the fear and claustrophobia, the feeling of being completely at the mercy of their environment. There’s also the psychological toll. These are not just soldiers; they’re people being forced into a situation that’s both physically and mentally degrading.
The details of the pipelines themselves add another layer of horror. Even if a gas pipeline isn’t inherently oily, it does contain traces of heavier hydrocarbons, and anti-corrosion chemicals are injected. These chemicals are designed to coat the inside of the pipe. The air itself would be hazardous to breathe. The thought of being trapped in an environment like that for days on end is simply appalling.
The comments about the situation, from the perspectives of others, are insightful. Many find the entire concept unbelievable, preferring to face drones rather than this kind of subterranean warfare. There is a clear sense of empathy, but also a recognition of the larger context of the conflict.
Furthermore, the situation is not just about evading drones, it also acts as a way for the Russians to continue the advance through Ukrainian land. There are reports of successful pushes via these pipelines that have moved troops further into Ukraine.
And, of course, there is the underlying question of leadership and motivation. Some comments question the leadership that would employ such tactics and the degree to which the soldiers themselves are willing to participate. There are also varying degrees of opinions about the motivations of those within the Russian military.
The war in Ukraine has become known for its ingenuity and willingness to adapt. As the war continues, the use of pipelines as a form of evasion and as routes of advancement might continue for quite a while.