Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed details Tuesday of a previously unannounced military operation that used underground gas pipelines to outflank Russian positions near Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine.

Speaking in his nightly video address, Zelenskyy described the effort, code-named Operation Veles, as a strong, well-planned, and technology-driven success. Ukrainian forces advanced more than 15 kilometers through the pipelines, eliminating over 100 Russian troops and capturing more than 30 others, according to the president.

The operation was carried out by the National Guard's 2nd Khartiia Corps along with other Ukrainian units. Zelenskyy noted that Russian forces had previously attempted similar tactics using the pipelines to bypass Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian troops reversed the approach with greater sophistication.

"Our fighters turned this tactic against the Russians and used the underground infrastructure against the occupiers with extraordinary success," Zelenskyy said.

The action took place near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, a city Ukrainian forces recaptured in late 2022 but which has faced ongoing Russian pressure. Zelenskyy cited reports from senior commanders, including Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi and 2nd Khartiia Corps Commander Ihor Obolienskyi.

Zelenskyy framed the operation within a broader series of Ukrainian offensives. He also referenced an air assault in eastern Ukraine and the Vivaldi operation further north aimed at blocking Russian advances. He stated that Ukraine's battlefield position is the strongest it has been in some time during the more than four-year conflict and could improve further with additional Western air defense systems.

The revelation follows earlier reports from the Khartiia Corps on October 22 about the pipeline infiltration. The tactic highlights Ukrainian adaptation in a war marked by trench fighting and attempts to exploit infrastructure for surprise movements.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for sustained Western military support amid the prolonged fighting. The latest disclosure underscores ongoing Ukrainian efforts to regain initiative in key sectors despite Russian numerical advantages.