Ukraine launches underground counteroffensive operation Veles near Kupiansk
Ukrainian forces carried out the underground counteroffensive operation “Veles” in the Kupiansk direction under the command of the Khartiia Corps, the National Guard’s 2nd Corps. Troops reportedly advanced more than 15 kilometers through underground communications into Russian positions, combining air, ground and underground actions.
Key points
- The Khartiia Corps commanded the underground counteroffensive operation “Veles” in the Kupiansk direction.
- Ukrainian troops reportedly advanced more than 15 kilometers through underground communications into Russian combat positions.
- More than 100 Russian occupiers were reportedly forcibly demobilized, while more than 30 were taken prisoner.
- The operation combined air, ground and underground actions.
- The 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade “Akhyllles” participated.
- Other participants included the Hartiia NGU brigade, the “R.U.G.” separate assault regiment, the Lava unmanned systems regiment, and Freedom of Russia Legion and RDK units.
- The corps used a dedicated tunnel simulator and its own communication, navigation and life-support technologies.
Why it matters
The operation reportedly pushed Ukrainian troops more than 15 kilometers into Russian positions through underground communications and resulted in significant personnel losses on the opposing side. It also demonstrated that air, ground and underground operations can be conducted simultaneously. Training through a dedicated tunnel simulator and the use of specialized communications, navigation and life-support technologies could support further underground operations.
What happened
Ukrainian forces conducted operation “Veles,” an underground counteroffensive in the Kupiansk direction, under the command of the Khartiia Corps, the National Guard’s 2nd Corps. According to reported figures, troops advanced more than 15 kilometers through underground communications and reached Russian combat positions. More than 100 Russian occupiers were forcibly demobilized and more than 30 were captured. The operation combined actions in the air, on the ground and underground, with participants including the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade “Akhyllles,” the Hartiia NGU brigade, the “R.U.G.” separate assault regiment, the Lava unmanned systems regiment, and units of the Main Intelligence Directorate—the Freedom of Russia Legion and the RDK.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes fighting inside a gas pipeline in the Kupiansk area, the training and technological preparations for underground combat, and the participation of several specialized Ukrainian units. It presents “Veles” as a combined air, ground and underground counteroffensive, highlighting the reported advance and Russian personnel losses.
Background
Ukrainian forces have reportedly fought inside a gas pipeline in the Kupiansk area for about half a year. In mid-September 2025, Russian forces attempted to enter Kupiansk through a main gas pipeline. The Khartiia Corps created a dedicated tunnel simulator to prepare fighters for underground combat. The operation has prompted military analysts to discuss whether the underground environment should be recognized as a separate domain of warfare.