Russia’s pipeline into Kupiansk is now its escape route—with kidnapped civilians as human shields, Ukraine says

Russian forces retreating near Kupiansk have taken civilians, including children and the elderly, and forced them to enter a gas pipeline as a cover for their withdrawal, according to the 2nd National Guard Corps Khartia. The men of military age, walking with the civilians in civilian clothing, are likely Russian soldiers who have removed their uniforms.

Khartia's reconnaissance drones captured the group on September 27th. Ukrainian forces observed the column but refrained from firing, due to the presence of civilians. Ukraine's military has previously accused Russia of using civilians as human shields in Kupiansk during its offensive. Now, the same pipeline has become a route for abducted civilians heading toward occupied territory.

Nine individuals, comprising children, the elderly, and someone on crutches, were filmed by Khartia as they were led from Kupiansk through Holubivka village to the Shebelynka-Ostrohozhsk gas pipeline. The civilians will likely be transported another 10 kilometers in darkness before exiting the pipe in a forest, potentially into Russian-occupied territory.

Khartia has documented this incident and plans to present the evidence for a war crimes investigation. Despite Ukraine's warning, Russia may attempt to portray the footage as an evacuation or rescue operation. Khartia emphasizes that this is an abduction. The corps' counteroffensive near Kupiansk is part of a broader Ukrainian advance, with the Third Army Corps' Operation Vivaldi regaining control of 125 square kilometers in northern Donetsk Oblast, including areas previously under Russian occupation.

This success has effectively nullified Russia's planned Lyman pincer maneuver. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue pushing Russian troops towards the Oskil River, with the liberation of forests near Dvorichna and Zapadne diminishing the threat to Kupiansk.