Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) successfully executed a covert operation that incapacitated Russia’s Koltsovoy fuel pipeline. This 400-kilometer pipeline was a vital supply route for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to the Russian military.
Details of the Operation
The operation took place on the evening of October 31 in the Ramensky district, located near Moscow. HUR confirmed that all three lines of the pipeline exploded simultaneously, rendering the entire system inoperative.
Confirmation and Impact
Ukraine’s military intelligence service verified the operation on November 1. Despite substantial security measures, including anti-drone defenses at the facility, all lines involved in fuel transportation were effectively destroyed.
Strategic Importance of the Koltsovoy Pipeline
- The Koltsovoy pipeline connected several Russian refineries with military storage facilities.
- It drew fuel from refineries in Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Moscow.
- The annual capacity included:
- 3 million tons of jet fuel
- 2.8 million tons of diesel
- 1.6 million tons of gasoline
Significance of the Attack
Reports indicate that Russian emergency and security services arrived shortly after the explosions. However, the damage inflicted has rendered the infrastructure inoperable. HUR Chief Kyrylo Budanov noted that precision strikes on Russian logistics have proven more effective than international sanctions. He asserted, “In reality, our strikes have had more impact than sanctions. It’s simply a mathematical truth.”
Prior Notable Operations
Earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and HUR conducted another covert operation targeting a top-secret Russian strategic missile system. This operation took place at the Kapustin Yar test range and was described by SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk as a “100% successful strike,” supervised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This recent operation against the Koltsovoy pipeline underscores Ukraine’s ongoing strategic efforts to diminish the operational capabilities of the Russian military. It reflects a growing trend of targeted actions aimed at critical infrastructure within Russia.
