Ukrainian forces conducted Operation Veles in late October 2026, advancing more than 15 kilometers through underground gas pipelines north of Kupiansk combined with surface assaults and drone strikes. The operation disrupted a Russian infiltration route used for over a year, captured more than 30 Russian troops, and inflicted over 100 casualties according to Ukrainian reports. No new Russian infiltrations into the city have been recorded since, though small groups remain in northern districts and Russian units continue limited advances toward nearby villages such as Radkivka. Ukrainian positions along the Oskil River have strengthened as a result, with ongoing pressure on Russian logistics and attempts to isolate remaining enemy footholds. These developments have constrained Russian progress toward capturing the city amid continued frontline fighting.