Invaders Setting Up Shahed Launch Sites at Donetsk Airport – CyberBoroshno

Russian forces have launched construction work at the destroyed Donetsk airport.

The images, published by the Military Journal, show that fortifications that once ran across the runway have been partially cleared, suggesting efforts to restore parts of the airfield’s infrastructure.

In addition, activity has been observed at former airport parking lots, possibly for installing fuel tanks or military equipment. Satellite data also indicate ongoing work at the site of the nearby METRO Cash and Carry hypermarket No. 24, adjacent to the airport.

It remains unclear whether these are civilian reconstruction efforts or part of a broader military project using the airport’s remnants.

Drone platforms

According to CyberBoroshno, a group of independent military analysts, Russian invasion forces are building infrastructure for launching Iranian-designed Shahed and Geran drones from the airport.

“Closed storage facilities for these UAVs are being constructed near the ruins of the ‘new’ terminal,” the group reported.

Analysts also identified manual drone control points, warhead handling areas, false positions, and air surveillance posts, along with preparations to recondition parts of the runway.

“These drones will be used not only in kamikaze roles. There are other operational scenarios we are not disclosing for security reasons. Russia is also preparing to deploy jet-powered versions of the Shahed,” CyberBoroshno said.

Battles for Donetsk airport

Donetsk airport became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance during the 2014-2015 battles against Russian-backed forces.

Fighting peaked in the autumn of 2014 and January 2015, as Russian units launched a final assault on the Ukrainian defenders.

On January 20, 2015, after Russian forces demolished key floors of the terminal, Ukrainian troops were forced to retreat.

The defense of the airport lasted 242 days and became a defining episode in Ukraine’s early war narrative.

In 2022, Ukraine designated January 20 as a national day of remembrance for the defenders of Donetsk airport.