Recent developments indicate that Russia has established at least five new drone launch sites near its border with Belarus, enhancing its capabilities for drone attacks. These sites have been identified through satellite imagery and open-source intelligence in the Bryansk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions.
Some of these facilities are located just a few dozen kilometers from the Belarusian border. Notably, one of the largest sites is situated near the village of Tsimbulovo in the Oryol region, which has been described by Russian sources as one of the most extensive drone centers globally.
Ukrainian military officials report that a significant number of Russian drones used in extensive strikes are routed through Belarus or travel along the border. This situation complicates the operations of Ukrainian air defense forces. In Belarus, there are regular violations of airspace, with official data indicating such incidents occur almost daily, amounting to hundreds during certain periods.
According to Ukrainian military sources and OSINT researchers, the network of Russian launch and support facilities has been expanding actively since 2024. Experts note that positioning these complexes near Belarus allows for reduced flight times for drones and the ability to alter attack trajectories toward Kyiv and western regions of Ukraine.
Military analyst Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi suggests that this infrastructure configuration provides Russia with additional tactical advantages during its attacks. Among the identified sites are airfields and specialized complexes, including launch pads in Bryansk and Smolensk, as well as large storage and launch zones for drones in the Oryol region.
Analysts estimate that some of these sites can accommodate hundreds of drones simultaneously and are continuing to expand. Portions of these facilities are used for regular drone strikes against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side acknowledges the use of border routes for attacks but emphasizes that it does not seek to escalate the conflict into Belarus. Representatives from the Ukrainian Armed Forces state that Russia increasingly employs the tactic of moving drones along the border, which places additional strain on Ukraine’s air defense systems and complicates interception efforts.
Russia has significantly increased its drone launch capabilities near the Belarus border, establishing multiple new sites that enhance its operational reach. This development poses challenges for Ukrainian air defense as drone attacks frequently utilize Belarusian routes.