Ukraine cuts off Russian underground infiltration route to Kupiansk, military says
Ukrainian forces have cut off an underground route that Russian troops used for more than a year to infiltrate the city of Kupiansk in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, a Ukrainian military representative said on October 26.
The route, running through an old gas pipeline beneath the Oskil River north of Kupiansk, was targeted during Operation Veles, a Ukrainian counteroffensive combining underground combat, surface operations and drone strikes.
"We achieved our objective and deprived the Russians of this effective route into the city, an infiltration route they had used for more than a year," a senior sergeant from Ukraine's 13th Khartiia Brigade, identified by the callsign Aiaccio, told Suspilne.
He described the pipeline as Russia's most effective infiltration route because it allowed troops to approach the city undetected.
However, he stressed that Russian forces continue attempting to infiltrate Kupiansk and surrounding areas and attack Ukrainian defensive positions.
"Operation Veles deprived the Russians of this underground route, but they continue to apply pressure," he said.
Fighting inside the pipeline
Ukraine's Khartiia military formation first disclosed details of Operation Veles on October 22.
Ukrainian troops reportedly traveled more than 15 kilometers (9 miles) through underground gas pipelines to reach Russian positions from behind.
According to Aiaccio, the operation involved close-range fighting in extremely difficult conditions.
Ukrainian troops encountered accumulated dirt, hazardous substances and communications infrastructure installed by Russian forces during their prolonged use of the pipeline.
The underground environment was also damaging to equipment and made movement difficult for soldiers.
Khartiia said more than 30 Russian troops were captured during the operation, while Russian losses exceeded 100 personnel. The figures have not been independently verified.
The operation involved several Ukrainian military formations, including Khartiia, assault units, drone forces and military intelligence units.
Ukraine's General Staff reported no Russian offensive operations in the Kupiansk sector on October 25, although Ukrainian commanders say Russian infiltration attempts continue.
The operation was named after Veles, a deity associated with the underworld in Slavic mythology.
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