Ukrainian forces conduct tactical tunnel operation near Kupyansk

On October 23, 2026, Ukrainian forces from the 2nd 'Khartiya' Brigade of the National Guard successfully executed a tactical maneuver near Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region. Dubbed operation 'Veles', the mission involved soldiers traversing over 15 kilometers of underground infrastructure to bypass fortified Russian positions and emerge behind enemy lines. The operation was conducted without GPS or natural light, utilizing subterranean routes to outflank Russian forces.

According to the 'Khartiya' brigade, the maneuver aimed to prevent Russian forces from advancing behind Ukrainian defensive lines in the sector. The operation resulted in significant casualties for the Russian side, with reports stating over 100 soldiers killed and more than 30 captured. The name 'Veles' was chosen as a reference to a Slavic deity associated with the underworld, symbolizing the subterranean path taken by the troops. This tactical success highlights the creative use of underground infrastructure to gain an advantage in the ongoing conflict within the Kupyansk sector.