Russia expands drone launch infrastructure near Ukraine and Belarus

Russia has expanded its long-range drone infrastructure by constructing ten launch bases with 59 platforms near the borders of Ukraine and Belarus. Satellite imagery indicates the development of larger launch platforms and logistics sheds designed to support multi-axis swarm operations. These facilities, such as the Tsymbulova site in the Orel region, feature extended launch rails to accommodate new jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 attack drones. Unlike previous propeller-driven models, these jet-powered variants offer higher speeds and altitudes, though their effective range is approximately 1,000 kilometers.

In recent combat activity, Russian forces conducted extensive strikes across multiple Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv, targeting aviation assembly facilities, ammunition depots, and port warehouses. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian attacks utilized a variety of munitions, including Iskander-M, Kalibr cruise missiles, and numerous UAVs. Conversely, Ukrainian forces launched hundreds of drones toward Russian regions such as Moscow and Bryansk, which Russian air defenses reported intercepting.

On the ground, Russian forces reportedly advanced in several areas, including the outskirts of Dolzhanka and the control of Matiashevo and Nikolaipole.