Over 15 km underground behind Russian lines: Khartiia reveals details of Operation Veles near Kupiansk – video

During Operation Veles on the Kupiansk front, Ukraine's defence forces, under the command of the Khartiia Corps, advanced more than 15 km through underground tunnels behind Russian lines and captured more than 30 Russian soldiers.

Source: 2nd Khartiia Corps of Ukraine's National Guard

Details: The corps reported that Ukrainian troops moved through underground tunnels while other units advanced simultaneously above ground. They were supported by drones, including those operated by the Achilles Brigade.

Khartiia said the operation prevented Russian forces from reaching the rear of Kupiansk. Ukrainian troops captured more than 30 Russian soldiers. According to the corps, total Russian losses exceeded 100 personnel.

Quote from Corps Commander Ihor Obolienskyi: "The Russians believed that underground tunnels were a tool they alone could use to bypass our defences. We studied their experience, beat them at their own game and turned this threat into an advantage for our counteroffensive."

Details: Before the operation, the troops underwent physical and psychological training for operating in confined spaces. Sappers, engineers and the support battalion prepared the underground route.

Underground, the troops were unable to use GPS or maintain stable radio communications. The corps therefore used its own technological solutions for navigation, communications and vital support.

A joint coordination centre with the Achilles Brigade helped coordinate the underground advance, operations above ground and drone strikes.

Quote: "As the underground advance was under way, corps units advanced above ground at the same time, putting the enemy under attack from two dimensions simultaneously."

Details: The operation was led by the headquarters of the 2nd Khartiia Corps of Ukraine's National Guard. The following units took part:

• the 13th Khartiia Brigade of Ukraine's National Guard
• units from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, including the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps
• the 23rd R.U.H. Assault Regiment
• the 21st Lava Unmanned Systems Regiment
• the 429th Achilles Unmanned Systems Brigade
• other units from Ukraine's defence forces

The corps describes Veles as the world's first full-scale underground counteroffensive operation.

Background: Khartiia was established in 2022 as a volunteer territorial defence unit. In 2023, it became the 13th Operational Brigade of Ukraine's National Guard.

On 15 April 2025, the National Guard established the 2nd Khartiia Corps on the basis of the brigade. Ihor Obolienskyi was appointed its commander.

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