Zelensky details 'Operation Veles' underground advance near Kupiansk amid Kherson ceasefire expansion

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed details of "Operation Veles," which involved an underground advance of more than 15 kilometers (9 miles) near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. Zelensky said the operation, carried out by the National Guard's 2nd Khartiia Corps along with other Ukrainian units, "eliminated" over 100 Russian soldiers and captured more than 30. The operation reportedly exploited and modernized the tactic of underground movement through gas pipelines, a method previously attempted by Russian troops in the area.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Zelensky stated the advance addressed prior Russian use of underground gas pipelines to bypass Ukrainian defenses and launch assaults, with Ukrainian forces successfully transforming this tactic into a more sophisticated offensive maneuver. Ukrainian commanders including the Armed Forces Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi, 2nd Khartiia Corps Commander Ihor Obolienskyi, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa provided Zelensky with initial operational reports. The 2nd Khartiia Corps earlier reported on Oct. 22 that Ukrainian troops had infiltrated Russian rear positions similarly through pipelines as part of the same operation.

In context, Russian forces reportedly employed underground routes near Kupiansk in September, according to battlefield monitoring group DeepState. This indicates Operation Veles is both a tactical counter and escalation of under-the-surface maneuvers in the contested Kharkiv front. The operation's technological and strategic sophistication may signal a shift in battlefield dynamics where subterranean movement becomes a contested domain.

Known from the source

• Operation Veles involved an underground advance of over 15 kilometers near Kupiansk, as stated by Zelensky.
• Ukrainian forces, including the National Guard's 2nd Khartiia Corps, reportedly eliminated over 100 Russian soldiers and captured more than 30 during Operation Veles.
• Operation Veles advanced through underground gas pipelines, a tactic previously used by Russian troops near Kupiansk.
• A localized ceasefire around Oleshky and Kherson Oblast was expanded and reportedly being adhered to by both sides as of Oct. 27.
• The ceasefire aims to enable civilian evacuation and humanitarian aid delivery in Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast.

What remains unclear

Separately, a localized ceasefire initiated in Oleshky city and surrounding areas of Kherson Oblast has been expanded, as confirmed by Melania Trump on social media and Ukrainian human rights officials. The ceasefire, intended to allow safe civilian evacuation and delivery of humanitarian aid, was reported by Tetiana Shelest to now cover the entirety of Kherson Oblast, with Ukraine and Russia reportedly adhering to it as of Oct. 27 evening. Oleshky has been under Russian occupation and blockade, facing severe shortages and constant drone attacks, making evacuations perilous.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Casualty numbers and capture claims from Operation Veles for independent confirmation. Verification of Ukrainian commanders’ involvement and operational details as reported. Extent and current compliance of the ceasefire in Kherson Oblast from independent or multiple sources.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.