Russia has constructed at least five drone launch complexes near the Belarus border to launch attack drones into Ukraine via Belarusian airspace. The sites in Bryansk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions remain active despite Ukrainian strikes and Belarusian non-interference.

Russia has built at least five drone launch sites near the border with Belarus in the Bryansk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions. These sites are used to launch attack drones against Ukraine through Belarusian airspace. Belarusian authorities do not interfere with these flights or notify Ukraine. Key launch sites include the Shatalovo airfield (Smolensk Oblast) 46 km from Belarus, the large complex near Tsymbulova village (Oryol Oblast) 200 km from Belarus, the Navlya complex (Bryansk Oblast), the Secha airfield (Bryansk Oblast) 45 km from Belarus, and a launch site near Asovitsa village (Bryansk Oblast). Facilities feature stationary launch platforms for Shahed and Geran drones, underground shelters, air defense systems, and extensive storage for hundreds of strike drones. Some sites have been struck by Ukrainian forces but remain active with launches several times per week. Construction and expansion continue in 2026. Launches from these points target Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities via Belarusian airspace, with no Belarusian governmental pushback.