In September 2023, Ukrainian battlefield monitoring groups first reported that Russian troops were using gas pipelines to cross the Oskil River. This was a novel approach, as the Russians had already tried to use underground gas pipelines to move through Ukrainian positions and launch assault operations. President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a press conference, noted, 'The Russians had already tried to use underground gas pipelines to move through our positions and launch assault operations. Ukrainian warriors have successfully transformed this tactic, modernized it, and made it much more sophisticated and technologically advanced.'
On October 22, 2026, Ukrainian troops began infiltrating Russian rear positions near Kupiansk through underground gas pipelines. This operation, code-named 'Veles,' was a response to the Russian tactics and aimed to neutralize their advantages. According to the Ukrainian military, the operation involved the National Guard's 2nd Khartiia Corps and other units. The Ukrainian military has successfully transformed Russian tactics and is achieving its goals on the Kupian direction.
The Veles operation saw significant underground advancements. President Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces had pushed underground for more than 15 kilometers, effectively neutralizing Russian positions. The operation involved the National Guard's 2nd Khartiia Corps and other units in executing these tactical moves. The president emphasized, 'Бережем жизни наших людей, наносим потери оккупанту и достигаем поставленных целей на Купянском направлении' (We are saving the lives of our people, inflicting losses on the occupiers, and achieving our set goals on the Kupian direction).
These soldiers had joined the conflict for various reasons, including financial incentives or to avoid imprisonment in Russia.
The operation was not without its cost. Ukrainian forces reported the elimination of over 100 Russian soldiers. This figure, while significant, was a testament to the effectiveness of the Ukrainian tactics. President Zelensky highlighted the success of the operation, stating, 'We are saving the lives of our people, inflicting losses on the occupiers, and achieving our set goals on the Kupian direction.' The president's words underscored the dual purpose of the operation: to protect Ukrainian soldiers and to weaken the Russian forces.
In addition to the casualties, the Veles operation resulted in the capture of over 30 Russian soldiers. These soldiers had joined the conflict for various reasons, including financial incentives or to avoid imprisonment in Russia. The Ukrainian military's success in capturing these individuals was a significant morale booster and a strategic win. President Zelensky noted, 'We are saving the lives of our people, inflicting losses on the occupiers, and achieving our set goals on the Kupian direction.'
The Veles operation had a broader strategic impact. Ukrainian forces reported that Russian occupiers had lost more than 112 square kilometers of territory. This loss represented a significant reduction in the territory held by Russian occupiers. The Ukrainian military had successfully transformed Russian tactics and was achieving its goals on the Kupian direction. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of Ukrainian military strategies and the resilience of Ukrainian forces in the face of Russian aggression.
The Veles operation marked a turning point on the Kupian direction. Ukrainian forces had successfully neutralized Russian tactics and achieved significant gains. The operation highlighted the importance of innovation and adaptability in modern warfare. As the conflict continues, the Ukrainian military will likely face new challenges, but the Veles operation has provided a blueprint for success. President Zelensky's words ring true: 'We are saving the lives of our people, inflicting losses on the occupiers, and achieving our set goals on the Kupian direction.' The future of the Kupian direction remains uncertain, but the Ukrainian military's success in the Veles operation is a testament to their determination and strategic acumen.
