russians shelled civilians in Kupiansk with artillery. (video)

10/13/2026

Civilians serve as a human shield for the Russians, and subsequently as targets for their information provocations. In Kupiansk, Russian forces used civilians as cover, marching them toward a gas pipeline, only to then subject the group to mortar and artillery fire themselves. The group included women and a child.

On the morning of October 13, Russian troops marched a group of civilians—two women, a child, and several men—toward the Shebelynka–Ostrohozk gas pipeline. Along the way, the group repeatedly came under mortar and artillery fire. Footage from reconnaissance drones operated by the "Khartia" unit of the National Guard of Ukraine’s 2nd Corps shows casualties among the civilians.

Ukrainian troops did not return fire. An analysis of the impact patterns on the pipeline casing revealed that the shelling originated from the eastern bank of the Oskil River—from the direction of the occupying forces.

This marks the second documented instance of civilians being led to the gas pipeline. On September 27, Russian forces forced nine people—including children and the elderly—into that same pipe. Men in civilian clothing walked alongside them; these were likely Russian soldiers retreating from the city under the cover of civilians.

Previously, the occupying forces had used this pipeline to bring assault troops into Kupiansk. Now, as Ukrainian forces conduct counter-offensive operations, the Russians are using the pipe to withdraw, shielding themselves with civilians.

We emphasize that this shelling is a deliberate provocation and warn that Russian media may use footage from the scene to accuse Ukraine of striking civilians.

Both incidents have been documented. The Khartia Corps will hand over the materials for a war crimes investigation.