(KUPYANSK, KHARKIV OBLAST) – Ukrainian forces have destroyed a pipeline used by Russian troops to infiltrate the northern outskirts of Kupyansk, disrupting a concealed route that allowed enemy units to move personnel and build up forces away from direct fire control.
The operation was carried out by the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment, known as the Achilles Regiment, according to a report by UNN. The unit identified the pipeline during reconnaissance as an unusual but critical logistics and movement channel for Russian forces operating in the area.
The Achilles Regiment entered the Kupyansk defence zone at the end of April and has since focused on countering enemy personnel, controlling crossings, and mining likely routes of advance. During these operations, the regiment detected the pipeline, which Russian troops were using to move secretly into the city’s northern outskirts. Ukrainian forces assessed that the route enabled the enemy to concentrate troops while avoiding Ukrainian fire control.
To eliminate the threat, the regiment conducted a planned demolition of the pipeline using approximately three tonnes of explosives. Following the initial strike, adjacent units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces joined the effort to ensure the route was fully disabled.
In the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces have relied mainly on assaults by small infantry groups. Between April and December, the Achilles Regiment reported putting 1,877 Russian personnel out of action in and around Kupyansk, including 998 killed and 879 wounded.
After identifying enemy drone operators infiltrating the area, Ukrainian forces expanded their targeting to include shelters and positions used to operate unmanned aerial vehicles. These locations were used to install antennas and coordinate attacks on Ukrainian logistics routes.
Key results reported by the regiment include:
| Category | Reported Results |
|---|---|
| Shelters attacked | 8,324 |
| Enemy UAV launch positions | 232 |
| Vehicles destroyed | 61 |
| Vehicles damaged | 611 |
Ukrainian forces also continued operations against Russian armoured vehicles and artillery to maintain fire control and support infantry positions.
| Equipment Type | Destroyed | Damaged |
|---|---|---|
| Armoured vehicles | 9 | 54 |
| Artillery systems | 8 | 146 |
The regiment noted that the difficult frontline situation significantly complicated logistics. As a result, Ukrainian units carried out repeated humanitarian supply missions to support infantry positions that could no longer be reached by ground transport. Using unmanned aerial vehicles, the regiment delivered about eight tonnes of supplies, including food, medical items, equipment, warm clothing, generators, and fuel, to neighbouring units.
Alongside these efforts, Ukrainian forces established non explosive barriers, mined enemy logistics routes, destroyed ambush positions, and provided cover for infantry during close engagements when Russian troops attempted to break into nearby shelters.
The Unmanned Systems Forces said operations in the Kupyansk direction are ongoing, with continued air support for Ukrainian infantry and assault units and sustained fire control over enemy movements. The regiment expressed appreciation for cooperation among Ukrainian units involved in the operation.
Separately, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that Ukrainian forces have regained control of 16 square kilometres in the northern part of Pokrovsk. He added that no territorial losses were recorded in the Kupyansk, Kostiantynivka, and Prydniprovskyi directions.
Video available on external website (UNN): Pipeline Used by Russian Troops Destroyed in Kharkiv Region
