Ukraine Hits Major Russian Drone Hub 175 Kilometers From Border, Damages 5 Launchers

Ukraine hit a Russian military site used for the storage, preparation and launch of attack drones in Russia’s Oryol region, damaging at least five launchers, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. “On September 21, 2026, units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces hit a site used by the enemy for the storage, preparation and launch of attack unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] near the settlement of Tsimbulova in the Oryol region,” the General Staff said.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. According to the General Staff, attacks hit at least three UAV storage facilities, causing fires, as well as a launch pad for jet-powered UAVs and five launchers. “The Ukrainian Defense Forces systematically prioritize attacks on sites used for the storage, preparation and launch of attack UAVs in order to reduce the Russian aggressor’s capability to attack civilian targets within Ukraine,” the report added. As early as Monday evening, the Telegram channel “Absolutely Reliable Source” published satellite images showing the aftermath of the Sept. 21 attack. According to analysts, two attacks hit bunkers. In one case, the munition penetrated the structure, while in the other, the explosion occurred on the surface. Several additional attacks were recorded at the drone facility, triggering secondary detonations and damaging hangars. Analysts also identified the wreckage of burned-out drones at the site where Russian forces prepared UAVs for launch. Other Topics of Interest Latvia Blocks EU Bid to Lift Oligarch Sanctions Riga rejected a compromise that would remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU blacklist. What is the Tsimbulova complex?Tsimbulova in Russia’s Oryol region is a large Russian complex used for the storage, preparation and launch of attack UAVs targeting Ukraine. According to publicly available satellite imagery, the facility underwent significant expansion in 2026.The complex is located approximately 175–180 kilometers (109–112 miles) from the Ukrainian border.Construction began in 2024, and according to investigators, the first launches may have taken place in the autumn of that year. The facility was significantly expanded in 2026.Satellite imagery indicates that the complex covers an area of approximately 2 by 4 kilometers (1.25 by 2.5 miles) and contains numerous storage facilities, auxiliary structures and launch pads.As of mid-2026, researchers had identified at least 12 active positions, while other sources reported as many as 16 launchers. The site houses UAVs from the Geran family, including the jet-powered Geran-3, Geran-4 and Geran-5 models.According to researchers’ estimates, hundreds of drones can be stored at the facility at any given time. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.