In a dramatic turn of events, Russian special forces have reportedly crept miles through a major gas pipeline near the town of Sudzha in a surprise attempt to ambush Ukrainian forces. Media reports say the operation is part of a broader offensive aimed at reclaiming territory in the Kursk region, which Ukrainian soldiers seized last year.

Since August, Ukraine has held around 1,300 square kilometres of Russian land in Kursk, hoping to use it as leverage for future negotiations. However, recent Russian advances have brought Ukrainian forces closer to being surrounded, with Moscow’s military retaking key villages, including Lebedevka and Novenke.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has paused military aid, fuelling concerns that Ukraine may be losing support in its fight against Russian forces.