{
  "id": 16852885,
  "title": "Inside Ukraine's extraordinary underground pipeline operation against Russian forces near Kupiansk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/inside-ukraines-extraordinary-underground-pipeline-operation-against",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T05:30:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/28/inside-ukraines-extraordinary-underground-pipeline-operation-against-russian-forces-near-k"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An extraordinary underground pipeline operation by Ukrainian troops has thwarted Russian forces near Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The mission, known as Operation Veles, saw Ukrainian soldiers navigate a 15-kilometer route through 1.2-meter diameter gas pipelines beneath the battlefield. The operation, a combination of underground movement, surface attacks, and drone strikes, resulted in the elimination of over 100 Russian troops and the capture of more than 30 others. The tactic, once used by Russia, was a surprise move for Ukrainian defenders, who transformed it into a sophisticated technological operation. This marks the third major Ukrainian military operation this year, following two previous campaigns that reclaimed large areas of Russian-held territory. Zelenskyy emphasized that the operation is bolstering Ukraine's defenses around Kupiansk, countering Moscow's objectives in the region.",
  "summary": "Turning a tactic previously used by Russian troops against them, Ukrainian forces infiltrated enemy positions near Kupiansk in a carefully planned operation that inflicted significant losses and strengthened Kyiv's position in the area.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukrainian troops executed Operation Veles to thwart Russian forces near Kupiansk.",
    "Mission involved navigating 15 km through 1.2-meter gas pipelines underground.",
    "Operation resulted in elimination of over 100 Russian troops and capture of more than 30."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Repurposing existing infrastructure for subterranean movement turns traditional battlefield obstacles into tactical advantages, allowing Ukrainian defenders to bypass surface defenses and strike Russian forces with unexpected precision.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}