Underground tunnel nearly 6 km long set up for Ukrainian forces in Donetsk region

Underground corridor for combat operations

The construction of an underground tunnel nearly 6 kilometres long has been completed in Donetsk region. This engineering structure is located between two settlements and is designed to ensure the continuous and concealed movement of military units.

This was announced by Colonel Dmytro Pishko, head of the Support Forces Directorate of the Headquarters of the Air Assault Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Functionality of the infrastructure

According to the military officer, the new tunnel allows for the uninterrupted movement of personnel, motorcycles, and quad bikes. It is also used for the delivery of ammunition and food, as well as for medical evacuations.

«Черговим досягненням нашої інженерної винахідливості став підземний тунель довжиною майже шість кілометрів, який облаштували між двома населеними пунктами Донецької області. Інженерна споруда забезпечує безперебійний та замаскований рух особового складу, мототехніки, квадроциклів, доставляння провізії та боєприпасів, медичну евакуацію. Усе це дає змогу різноманітним підрозділам успішно виконувати бойові завдання» (The next achievement of our engineering ingenuity was an underground tunnel nearly six kilometres long, set up between two settlements in Donetsk region. The engineering structure ensures the uninterrupted and concealed movement of personnel, motorcycles, quad bikes, the delivery of provisions and ammunition, and medical evacuation. All this enables various units to successfully carry out combat tasks), Pishko noted.

Alternative evacuation method

In addition to the tunnel, engineers have implemented another solution to improve logistics. In 2023, the 81st Separate Airborne Slobozhanska Brigade used an amphibious transporter throughout the winter to evacuate the wounded.

The colonel emphasised that the road bridge towards Lyman in Donetsk region had been blown up, and the detour required significant time. The use of the PTS-2 amphibious transporter allowed saving 30–40 minutes, which is critically important for the wounded.

«Автомобільний міст у бік Лимана на Донеччині був підірваний, об’їзд забирав багато часу. Натомість за допомогою плавучого транспортера ПТС-2 ми вигравали 30–40 хвилин, а для поранених це – дуже суттєво. За ту зиму хлопці у такий спосіб зробили 86 рейсів» (The road bridge towards Lyman in Donetsk region was blown up, and the detour took a lot of time. Instead, using the PTS-2 amphibious transporter, we saved 30–40 minutes, which is very significant for the wounded. During that winter, the guys made 86 trips in this way), the colonel added.