Russia is turning the parts of Ukraine it occupies into a giant military base — and a potential launch pad for future aggression.

Moscow's forces in the occupied territories, particularly in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, are converting civilian infrastructure into bases to house its soldiers, transport ammunition, and launch its drones from closer than ever to Ukrainian-held territory.

Among the clearest examples is the Donetsk International Airport. Recent satellite images that Pla