InformNapalm: Ukrainian Hackers Discover How Russian Drone Operators Use Belarus

A team of Ukrainian cyber researchers affiliated with the volunteer intelligence organization InformNapalm has published findings revealing how Russian military drone operators are reportedly using Belarusian territory to conduct reconnaissance and logistical support missions. The revelations add another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and highlight the role of Belarus in facilitating Russian military operations.
According to the report released by InformNapalm, Ukrainian hackers were able to access internal communications, flight logs, and operational manuals detailing how Russian drone units coordinate their flights from Belarusian airspace. The leaked data allegedly shows that drone operators use Belarusian regions as staging points to conduct intelligence-gathering, monitor troop movements, and assist in artillery targeting within northern Ukraine.
Strategic Use of Belarusian Territory
The report claims that Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko, has allowed Russian forces to use its territory not only for launching drones but also for storing spare parts, refueling, and crew rotations. Some leaked documents suggest that Russian drones often cross the Ukrainian border in the early hours, minimizing detection risks, and transmit real-time data to command centers deep inside Russian territory.
“Belarus is effectively a staging ground for Russian unmanned operations,” the InformNapalm briefing states. “The use of Belarusian soil allows the Russian military to expand its intelligence reach without immediately exposing assets to Ukrainian countermeasures.”
Cyber Discovery and Analysis
InformNapalm’s report emphasizes that its team did not physically infiltrate Belarusian or Russian military bases. Instead, the findings are based on a combination of intercepted communications, metadata analysis, and OSINT (open-source intelligence) techniques. The group claims to have cross-checked locations, flight patterns, and drone types with satellite imagery and local sources to verify the data.
One portion of the analysis focused on small, tactical drones reportedly used to identify Ukrainian positions for artillery strikes. These drones are said to operate under short-range guidance protocols but rely on Belarusian relay stations to extend their operational range, allowing Russian units to target positions hundreds of kilometers inside Ukraine.
Implications for Ukraine and International Observers
Ukrainian military analysts have described the findings as a potential game-changer in understanding the cross-border logistics of Russian operations. The use of Belarusian territory could explain patterns in artillery accuracy and drone surveillance reported in northern regions of Ukraine, particularly near the border with Belarus.
The report also raises questions about Belarus’ level of involvement and complicity in the conflict. While Minsk has officially maintained that it is not an active participant in hostilities, the revelations could heighten scrutiny from Western governments, particularly those providing military aid to Ukraine.
A defense analyst noted, “If the Ukrainian findings are accurate, it would confirm that Belarusian territory is being leveraged for tactical advantage, which could alter how NATO and Ukraine plan countermeasures along that border.”
Russian Denials and International Reactions
At this stage, neither the Russian Ministry of Defense nor the Belarusian government has formally responded to the InformNapalm report. Previous statements from Moscow and Minsk have denied using Belarusian territory for offensive operations, describing any cross-border activity as routine military exercises or training flights.
International observers have cautioned that the claims, while detailed, are difficult to independently verify without physical inspections or corroboration from neutral third parties. Nevertheless, the use of cyber intelligence in modern warfare has become increasingly influential, giving Ukraine a strategic advantage in countering drone and artillery operations.
Cyber Warfare as a Strategic Tool
InformNapalm’s findings illustrate the growing role of cyber warfare in modern conflicts. Ukrainian hackers and OSINT communities are increasingly able to access sensitive operational data, exposing tactics, supply lines, and vulnerabilities in real time. Analysts note that such capabilities may act as a deterrent or provide actionable intelligence for battlefield decisions.
“This is a clear example of asymmetric advantage,” said one security expert. “Even small groups, using cyber and open-source intelligence, can reveal critical details about a larger adversary’s operations.”
Looking Ahead
If confirmed, the report could have diplomatic ramifications for Belarus, particularly regarding its relationships with NATO countries and the European Union. Ukrainian officials have not yet indicated whether the data will be used in formal diplomatic channels, but military planners are reportedly analyzing the information to adjust border security and air defense strategies.
For now, InformNapalm’s disclosures provide a rare glimpse into the operational mechanics of Russian drone deployments, highlighting the interconnectedness of cyber intelligence, territorial logistics, and modern aerial warfare in the ongoing conflict.