Ukrainian Troops Infiltrate Russian Rear via Gas Pipelines Near Kupiansk

• •Ukrainian troops infiltrated Russian positions using gas pipelines.
• •The operation resulted in over 30 Russian soldiers captured and 100 casualties.
• •Ukrainian forces adapted tactics to counter Russian underground movements.

On October 22, 2026, Ukrainian troops successfully infiltrated the Russian rear near Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, moving 15 kilometers through underground gas pipelines. The operation, named 'Veles,' involved the 2nd Khartiia Corps and other units, capturing over 30 Russian soldiers and inflicting more than 100 casualties on Russian forces. Brig. Gen. Ihor Obolienskyi stated that the operation was designed to counter Russian tactics that utilized underground routes. Ukrainian forces combined their underground advance with drone strikes above ground. The operation reflects a strategic adaptation to the evolving battlefield dynamics, where both sides have utilized underground infrastructure for troop movements. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the casualty figures reported by Khartiia. This operation follows previous incidents where Russian forces attempted to exploit gas pipelines for covert movements. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to adapt their strategies.