The Defense Forces of Ukraine have conducted a large-scale counter-offensive operation named Veles in the Kupyansk direction, utilizing underground communications. During the combat operations, Ukrainian units advanced more than 15 kilometers into the rear of Russian troops, combining an underground advance with surface operations and drone strikes. According to the Charter corps, more than 30 Russian servicemen were captured as a result of the successful operation, and total enemy losses exceeded 100 personnel.
Course of Operation Veles and Underground Warfare Tactics
The unit command explained the prerequisites and details of this unique maneuver. According to the commander of the Charter corps, the Ukrainian military observed the enemy's underground actions for a long time and recorded attempts by Russians to use gas pipelines for covert infiltration into the rear of Ukrainian troops. In response, the command decided to study and adopt this tactic, seizing the initiative underground.
Several elite units participated in Operation Veles. These include the Charter Brigade, the R.U.G. assault regiment, the Lava unmanned systems regiment, the Achilles unmanned systems brigade, as well as special units of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), including the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps.
Broader Combat Context and Large-Scale Enemy Losses
The underground operation in the Kupyansk direction unfolds against the backdrop of serious enemy losses in various frontline sectors. Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recorded the destruction of the Russian army's large 144th Motorized Rifle Division during Operation Vivaldi, causing this formation to effectively cease to exist.
Additionally, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported record figures for daily enemy personnel losses at the front. On October 21 alone, the Defense Forces eliminated and wounded 2,250 Russian servicemen, marking an absolute maximum for the entire period of full-scale hostilities.
Significance of the Underground Maneuver for Further Frontline Developments
The successful completion of Operation Veles demonstrates the ability of Ukrainian forces to adapt to non-standard tactical challenges and seize the initiative in confined spaces and communications. Utilizing underground routes alongside the coordination of drones and infantry opens up new opportunities to overcome layered enemy defenses.
The acquired experience in conducting underground combat can significantly impact future strategy in complex frontline sectors where classical frontal attacks are difficult. Capturing over 30 military personnel and routing enemy rear positions near Kupyansk confirm the high effectiveness of complex planning and inter-service interaction.
