Ukraine’s Karthiia brigade uses a 15-kilometre tunnel to attack near Kupiansk

Situation Overview

On 23 October 2026, repubblica.it reported that Ukraine’s Karthiia brigade carried out an underground operation near Kupiansk, using a 15-kilometre tunnel prepared over about a month. The report says the mission was conducted in the Kupiansk area as part of what it calls “operazione Veles,” and claims that around 100 Russian personnel were killed and 30 were captured. The brigade is described as having prepared the tunnel for the operation in advance. No additional confirmed details were provided on the operation’s duration, the exact tunnel endpoints, or any subsequent follow-on actions.

Geopolitical Implications

1. 01

   The reported use of long underground infrastructure highlights continued Ukrainian efforts to conduct surprise attacks and penetrate defended areas on the eastern front.

2. 02

   If validated, tunnel operations could increase the tactical complexity and resource demands for both sides in contested frontline sectors.

Key Signals

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  Any subsequent official Ukrainian or Russian confirmation or denial of the tunnel operation and casualty figures

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  Reports of additional tunnel-related engineering activity or counter-tunnel measures in the Kupiansk area

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