---
title: "Defense Forces Conduct Unique Underground Operation Near Kupyansk"
description: "Defense Forces conducted the Veles underground counter-offensive operation near Kupyansk, advancing over 15 km into the Russian rear and capturing over 30 prisoners."
date: 2026-10-22T07:03:00.961Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/defense-forces-conduct-underground-operation-near-kupyansk
tags: [kupyansk, ukraine-war, special-operation, frontline, defence-forces]
author: "Roman V."
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Defense Forces Conduct Unique Underground Operation Near Kupyansk

![Ukrainian servicemen on armored vehicles near Kupyansk during a combat mission](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/22/sily-oborony-proveli-podzemnuyu-operatsiyu-pod-kupyanskom/sily-oborony-proveli-podzemnuyu-operatsiyu-pod-kupyanskom-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Operation Veles was conducted in the Kupyansk direction
- Ukrainian troops advanced over 15 km through underground communications
- More than 30 Russian servicemen were captured
- Total enemy losses during the operation exceeded 100 people
- National Guard corps, HUR, drone units, and volunteer formations participated

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Силы обороны провели подземную операцию под Купянском и взяли в плен 30 россиян](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/sili-oboroni-proveli-pidzemnu-operatsiyu-1792652342.html) - Primary source confirms Operation Veles, advancing over 15 km underground into the rear, capturing 30+ prisoners, and total losses over 100.
- [Силы обороны прошли более 15 км под землей в тыл россиян на Купянском направлении](https://tribun.com.ua/ru/130227-sili-oboroni-projshli-ponad-15-km-pid-zemleju-v-til-rosijan-na-kup-janskomu-naprjamku) - Additional source fully confirms details of Operation Veles, the underground advance by the Charter corps, and data on captured Russian soldiers.

## FAQ

### What was the name of the underground operation near Kupyansk?

The operation was named Veles.

### How many kilometers did Ukrainian troops advance underground?

The Defense Forces advanced more than 15 kilometers through underground communications into the rear of Russian troops.

### How many Russians were captured during the operation?

More than 30 Russian servicemen were captured, and total enemy losses exceeded 100 people.