Fighters from the “Charter” Corps, together with other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, carried out an underground counteroffensive in the Kupiansk direction, advancing more than 15 kilometers into enemy rear areas. This was reported by the 2nd Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard on October 22. The operation, codenamed “Veles,” was the result of coordinated actions by units that combined an underground assault with surface strikes and the use of drones.
Thanks to this operation, Ukrainian forces were able to thwart the plans of the Russian occupiers, who were attempting to penetrate the rear of Kupiansk. As reported by “Charter,” the operation resulted in the capture of more than 30 occupiers, while enemy casualties exceeded 100. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the Ukrainian forces’ actions.
Corps Commander Brigadier General Ihor Obolensky said that Ukrainian forces had been monitoring the tactics of Russian forces underground for a long time. “The Russians intended to use gas pipelines to infiltrate the rear of our troops. So we went underground ourselves,” he said, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces had adapted to the new conditions of combat.
Various units were involved in Operation “Veles,” including the “Charter” Brigade, the “R.U.G” assault regiment, the “Lava” unmanned systems regiment, as well as units of the Main Intelligence Directorate, including the “Freedom of Russia” Legion and the RDK. This demonstrates the cohesion and coordination of actions among various military formations.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian military personnel had previously recorded multiple attempts by Russian forces to advance underground, specifically through the “Shebelinka–Ostrogogsk” gas pipeline. Operation “Veles” was a response to these threats and demonstrates the Ukrainian forces’ readiness to adapt and employ new tactics in the fight against the aggressor.
