Russian assault units seek to completely disable underground tunnels used by Ukrainian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region when such passages are discovered, as they can be used to move reserves, conduct covert maneuvers, and launch surprise attacks. Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber’s commission on sovereignty, described the methods used in a comment to aif.ru.

Russian troops encountered an extensive network of underground passages, in particular, during the capture of Shevchenkivske in the Zaporizhzhia region. These underground communications had been equipped and used by Ukrainian forces.

According to Rogov, there is no single specialized tactic for destroying discovered tunnels. Assault groups make decisions based on the specific battlefield situation. At the same time, there are methods that can reliably render an underground facility unusable.

Rogov said that instead of small arms or conventional grenades, more powerful munitions, including so-called «TM» charges, are often used for this purpose. Their use is intended to cause the underground structure to collapse. As a result, the tunnel itself is completely blocked, while anyone inside is left unable to escape.

Rogov attributed the need for such an approach to the nature of assault operations. Troops often lack the time and resources required to systematically inspect and clear complex networks of underground passages. Possible tripwires and other traps placed inside pose an additional danger.

Moreover, leaving such underground communications intact creates a direct threat to Russian units. Ukrainian forces can use the tunnels not only to retreat but also to covertly move personnel, transfer reserves, and organize surprise attacks. For this reason, discovered underground passages cannot be left operational.

According to Rogov, there is no separate operation devoted exclusively to searching for such underground structures. Nevertheless, detecting tunnels and determining their locations remains an important part of combat operations.

The Russian Civic Chamber official stressed that Russian forces need precise information about the location of such underground communications and the facilities that should be targeted. According to him, this makes it possible to rapidly neutralize decision-making centers directly along the line of contact.