Ukrainian Defense Forces, as part of the special operation Veles, successfully halted Russian attempts to establish a foothold in the northern districts of Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast. This is stated in a current analytical report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based on official data from the Ukrainian leadership and agencies as of late October 2026.
Special Operation Details and Situation in Kupyansk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously confirmed that during Operation Veles, Ukrainian servicemen traversed more than 15 kilometers through underground pipelines in the Kupyansk direction. Later, Viktor Trehubov, a spokesman for the Joint Forces Group of Ukraine, clarified that the timely clearing of these communications prevented a large-scale enemy penetration into the northern part of the city.
According to the Ukrainian side, those Russian units that managed to infiltrate the settlement earlier are currently dispersed in positions across its northern quarters. Security forces are continuing clearance operations and stabilization of the frontline in this sector.
Activity in Sumy and Kharkiv Directions
Simultaneously with the events in Kupyansk, Russian troops launched an attack in the north of Sumy Oblast in an attempt to create a border buffer zone. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to strike enemy military targets in border regions of the Russian Federation, including the targeting of a Tor-M2 anti-aircraft missile system and a radar station in Kursk Oblast.
Local clashes are recorded northeast of Kharkiv in the areas of Mala Volcha and Alisivka. Geolocated video footage shows Ukrainian forces striking enemy positions south of Mala Volcha, though there are no confirmed reports of significant Russian advances in these areas.
Donetsk Oblast Offensive and Pressure on Slovyansk
In the Donetsk direction, the Russian command continues implementing plans to encircle the Ukrainian defensive belt and advance toward Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkivka. Local offensive actions east of these cities are recorded, alongside renewed strikes on civilian infrastructure, specifically targeting firefighting crews.
Furthermore, Russian forces recently infiltrated Klynove north of Kostiantynivka and are striving to secure positions on the southeastern outskirts of the settlement. Such tactics pose a potential threat to the flanks of Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, forcing the Ukrainian command to respond swiftly to changing conditions.
Significance of the Operation and Future Prospects
The successful execution of Operation Veles and the disruption of enemy plans in Kupyansk demonstrate the high adaptability of Ukrainian forces in positional warfare and underground tactics. Future developments at the front will depend on the ability of Ukrainian troops to hold occupied lines, suppress breakthrough attempts in the Kharkiv and Sumy sectors, and contain the pressure of superior enemy forces in Donbas.
