Ukrainian Troops Conduct First 'Underground Counteroffensive' Near Kupiansk

Ukraine's 2nd Khartiia Corps of the National Guard, in coordination with other Ukrainian Defense Forces units, reportedly executed an underground counteroffensive, codenamed "Operation Veles," in the Kupiansk sector around October 21-22, 2026[1][2][4][5][11]. This operation involved troops moving over 15 kilometers (9 miles) through underground gas pipelines to emerge behind Russian lines, with the Khartiia Corps claiming to have captured more than 30 Russian soldiers and inflicted over 100 casualties[1][3][4][5][7][9][10][11].

This marks a significant adaptation in modern warfare, as Ukrainian forces utilized underground infrastructure to bypass established battle lines. The strategy combined subterranean movement with surface operations and synchronized drone strikes, which could alter future battlefield dynamics by responding to the increasing transparency of open ground due to constant aerial surveillance[1][2][3][4][9][11].

What the Records Show

The 2nd Khartiia Corps announced the operation, named "Veles" after a Slavic deity associated with the underworld, on October 21 and detailed it on October 22, 2026[4][10]. The corps stated that its forces, along with other Ukrainian Defense Forces units, advanced more than 15 kilometers through underground infrastructure to infiltrate Russian rear positions near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region[1][3][4][5][7][9][10][11]. This underground maneuver was coordinated with simultaneous surface assaults and drone strikes, including those operated by the Achilles Brigade[1][3][4][9][11].

Brigadier General Ihor Obolenskyi, commander of the 2nd Khartiia Corps, indicated that the operation was a pre-emptive measure, stating, "The Russians intended to use gas pipelines to penetrate the rear of our troops. Then we ourselves went underground"[1][3][5]. He also explained, "We studied their experience, beat them at their own game and turned this threat into an advantage for our counteroffensive"[9][10][11]. The corps claimed that over 30 Russian personnel were captured and that Russian casualties exceeded 100[1][3][4][5][7][8][9][10][11]. The Kyiv Independent noted that it could not independently verify these figures[5].

The operation required specialized training for soldiers in confined spaces, route preparation by sappers and engineers, and the development of proprietary technological solutions for communication, navigation, and life support due to the lack of GPS and stable radio signals underground[3][4][8][11]. The Khartiia Corps has characterized "Veles" as the world's first full-scale underground counteroffensive operation[3][4][7][8][9].

Timeline

Before October 2026, Russian forces had utilized underground infrastructure for covert movement in the Kupiansk sector and near Sudzha[5][6]. Ukrainian troops reported stopping a Russian assault involving approximately 50 soldiers attempting to advance through the Soyuz gas pipeline in January[5]. The idea of using pipelines for movement originated from Russian tactics observed during fighting around Sudzha[6]. The 2nd Khartiia Corps announced and provided details about Operation Veles on October 21 and 22, 2026[1][2][4][5].

What Changed and for Whom

Operation Veles marks a significant strategic shift for Ukrainian forces, moving into a new domain of warfare. Brigadier General Obolenskyi emphasized that "When the battlefield became transparent, the war went underground," reflecting an adaptation to pervasive aerial surveillance[2][6]. By adopting and reversing Russian tactics, Ukrainian forces were able to bypass defenses and disrupt Russian plans to penetrate the rear of Ukrainian positions near Kupiansk[3][4][5][9][10]. This demonstrates a new approach to counteroffensive operations, turning a previously identified threat into a strategic advantage[9][10].

What the Subject Has Said Publicly

Brigadier General Ihor Obolenskyi, commander of the 2nd Khartiia Corps, stated that they studied Russian methods of operating underground and decided to use a similar approach themselves[1][3][5]. He described the Ukrainian personnel as "unique people" and an "unbeatable nation"[2]. The Khartiia Corps also published a statement that "When the battlefield became transparent, the war went underground," indicating the necessity for such tactical adaptations[2]. The corps has promised to release more details about Operation Veles in the near future[2].

What We Could Not Confirm

PrimaryBrief could not independently verify the reported figures of over 30 Russian soldiers captured and more than 100 casualties inflicted during Operation Veles[5]. The full details regarding the operation's duration, specific location, and the identities of all participating "other units" of the Ukrainian Defense Forces beyond those listed in one report have not been fully disclosed[2][4].