Ukraine launches underground offensive to cut Russian route into Kupiansk
Ukrainian troops carried out the underground offensive “Veles” near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, seizing a section of a gas pipeline crossing the Oskil River. The operation reportedly blocked Russian infantry from using the pipeline to enter Kupiansk’s rear and involved more than 100 Russian personnel killed and over 30 captured.
Key points
- The Veles offensive was conducted near Kupiansk by the National Guard’s 2nd Khartia Corps and other Ukrainian units.
- Ukrainian troops took control of a gas pipeline section near the Oskil River and rendered it unusable for Russian forces.
- The operation blocked Russian infantry from entering Kupiansk’s rear through the pipeline.
- Ukrainian forces advanced more than 15 kilometers along underground communications on the Kupiansk front.
- Ukrainian military reported that more than 100 Russian personnel were killed and over 30 were captured.
- The operation’s preparation lasted more than six months and included training with pipeline and communications models.
- Russian forces reportedly used civilians and the pipeline infrastructure as cover while retreating from the Kupiansk direction.
Why it matters
The operation disrupted a route used by Russian infantry to approach Kupiansk from the rear. Seizing and disabling the pipeline near the Oskil also threatens Russian positions in the city’s rear, while reported attacks on an evacuation column and the use of civilians as cover highlight risks to the local population.
What happened
Ukrainian forces entered an old gas pipeline crossing the Oskil River toward Holubivka under cover of drones, with ground robotic systems supporting them on the surface. They fought Russian forces inside the pipeline and tunnels, took control of a section near the river and rendered the branch leading to the right bank unusable. Ukrainian troops said the operation prevented Russian infantry groups from entering Kupiansk’s rear and advanced more than 15 kilometers through underground communications. The Veles operation was prepared over more than six months, including training with pipeline and communications models. Ukrainian military reported that more than 100 Russian personnel were killed and over 30 captured.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting focuses on the operational details of Veles, including the underground fighting, use of drones and robotic systems, and control of the pipeline. It also highlights the absence of a major Russian troop buildup near Kupiansk, although dozens of Russian soldiers remain in the city’s northern districts, and reports the shelling of an evacuation convoy.
Background
Russian forces had already used the region’s gas pipeline infrastructure to move troops and provide cover while retreating from the Kupiansk direction. According to Ukrainian reports, they also moved residents through Holubivka toward the Shebelinka–Ostrogozhsk gas pipeline, forcing them to travel more than 10 kilometers through the pipe. Earlier in September, Russian troops reportedly used children and elderly people as cover while withdrawing.