Russia's Saratov Oblast reports 'most massive attack ever', Engels airfield appears to have been hit

Governor Roman Busargin described the assault as the “most massive UAV attack” yet on Saratov and Engels, reporting damage to civilian sites: windows shattered at Engels City Hospital, injuring one woman, and at two kindergartens and a school, leading to remote learning for Engels students.

Near Saratov’s Sokolovaya Gora, a private home was hit by drone debris.

Russian Telegram channels noted thick smoke rising from Engels’ “3rd Flight Town” microdistrict, roughly 10 kilometers from the airbase, where strategic bombers like Tu-95MS and Tu-160 are stationed—key assets for Russia’s strikes on Ukraine.

Busargin later confirmed a fire at the airbase and the evacuation of residents from nearby homes.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed 132 Ukrainian drones were downed nationwide, including 54 over Saratov Oblast alone, though no specifics on airbase damage were provided.