Russian forces recently attempted to advance in Kupyansk, Kharkiv oblast

ussian forces attempted to infiltrate Ukrainian positions near Kupyansk by traveling through an underground gas pipeline, according to Ukrainian military intelligence on Sept. 12. Troops reportedly used electric scooters and modified stretchers to move through the pipe for four days before emerging near Radkivka and advancing toward the city and a nearby railway. Ukrainian forces later struck the pipeline, preventing further Russian use of the route.

This marks at least the third time Russia has used pipelines for infiltration during the war, following similar operations in Avdiivka in January 2024 and in Sudzha in March 2025. While the 60th Veterany Separate Assault Brigade reportedly carried out those earlier missions, no evidence suggests its presence in Kupyansk, indicating that Russian forces are now spreading these tactics to other units.

Analysts suggest the tactic reflects both improved dissemination of lessons learned across Russia’s front-line forces and attempts at tactical innovation to evade Ukrainian drones. Fighting remains ongoing near Kupyansk, though local officials confirm Russian troops have not yet entered the city itself.

Russia attacked Ukraine with Iskander missile and 58 drones

Russia launched a major overnight strike on Ukraine between Sept. 13–14, firing an Iskander ballistic missile and 58 attack drones from multiple launch sites in Russia, Ukraine’s Air Force reported. The drones included Shahed, Gerbera, and other types, with more than two dozen identified as Shaheds.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 52 drones across the country’s north, south, east, and center, though six UAVs managed to hit targets and debris caused damage in two other areas. Missile and drone strikes were recorded at three separate locations.

The assault was countered by a combination of aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups. By the following morning, the Air Force warned that Russia had launched another wave of drones from the northeast, signaling continued pressure on Ukraine’s defenses.

Russian drones hit two critical infrastructure facilities in Chernihiv Oblast

Russian drones struck two critical infrastructure sites near the city of Nizhyn in Chernihiv Oblast on Sept. 14, according to Mayor Oleksandr Kodola.

The attack began around midday, when debris from a downed Shahed drone fell in Nizhyn’s city center. UAV strikes later hit infrastructure on the outskirts, sparking fires but causing no reported casualties.

By late afternoon, another drone targeted a fuel-handling facility outside the city, igniting a storage tank. Fire crews were working to contain the blaze, and officials said there were still no reports of injuries.