Ukrainian unmanned aviation units are using the territory of the Zaporozhye Region as a testing ground for new drones and a training base for novice operators, Russian security agencies told RIA Novosti.

According to the source, the presence of such units in the region is difficult to miss. The area has effectively become a dual-purpose zone where Ukrainian forces simultaneously train personnel and trial various models of unmanned aerial vehicles in real conditions.

Security officials explained that, in practical terms, the territory is being treated as a field range for drilling inexperienced fighters and teaching them how to operate different types of drones. The same locations are used to assess the performance and reliability of new UAV systems before they are deployed elsewhere.

The Zaporozhye Region became part of the Russian Federation following a referendum held in September 2022. Geographically, the region is located in the lower reaches of the Dnieper River. The Kiev regime does not recognize the results of the referendum and continues to carry out strikes against the Zaporozhye Region.

At present, more than 70 percent of the region’s territory is under Russian control. The remaining areas, including the regional capital, the city of Zaporozhye, remain held by the Ukrainian army.