Russia Expands Shahed Drone Launch Base at Donetsk Airport
Russia is expanding infrastructure for launching Shahed kamikaze drones near the temporarily occupied city of Donetsk. New launch positions and storage facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles have appeared on the territory of Donetsk International Airport.
This was reported by Business Insider, citing satellite images.
According to the publication, Russian forces began transforming the airport area into a drone base as early as summer 2025. At that time, the first launch platforms and storage facilities were installed, and construction continued until autumn.
In recent weeks, two additional launch tracks have appeared at the site, bringing the total to eight. New structures resembling small bunkers for storing drones have also been spotted on the taxiway.
Satellite imagery also shows construction equipment, indicating that the facility is continuing to expand.
The report notes that Russia continues to increase drone production and is working on new modifications.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, total Russian combat losses in the war against Ukraine from 24 February 2022 to 13 March 2026 have reached approximately 1,277,620 personnel. Over the past day alone, Ukrainian defenders eliminated another 860 Russian troops.
During the last 24 hours, Ukrainian forces repelled 122 enemy attacks along the entire front line. The most intense fighting was recorded in the directions of Huliaipole and Kostiantynivka. The enemy used air strikes, kamikaze drones and artillery, while Ukrainian defence forces carried out systematic fire strikes against occupying troops.
