A shocking incident unfolded in Russia as Ukrainian forces conducted a significant drone strike. The attack occurred on Thursday at the Engels airbase, approximately 700 km (435 miles) from the front lines of the ongoing conflict. This strategic assault emphasises the growing reach of Ukraine’s military capabilities in the war.
Incident Details
Russian and Ukrainian officials confirmed that Ukrainian drones targeted a major Russian strategic bomber airfield. The seriousness of the situation became apparent as verified Reuters videos showed a huge blast spreading out from the airfield, damaging nearby cottages. The emergency resulted in a giant plume of smoke rising into the dawn sky and an intense fire at the facility.
Military Significance
- The Engels base, dating back to Soviet times, hosts Russia’s Tupolev Tu-160 nuclear-capable heavy strategic bombers, known unofficially as “White Swans.”
- Russia’s defence ministry reported that air defences had shot down 132 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions.
- Ukraine’s defence ministry confirmed its forces struck the airfield, triggering secondary detonations of ammunition.
- Kyiv stated that Russia had used the Engels base to carry out strikes on Ukraine.
Impact Assessment
Roman Busargin, governor of Saratov, acknowledged a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Engels that left an airfield on fire, necessitating the evacuation of nearby residents. Though he did not specifically mention the Engels base, it is the main airfield in the area. Ten people were injured in the attack according to local officials.
Community Reaction
Some local residents expressed surprise at finding various parts of Ukrainian drones in their gardens. The Shot Telegram channel reported that Ukraine struck with PD-2 and Liutyi drones. Engels district head Maxim Leonov declared a local state of emergency but provided few details.
Historical Context
Ukraine has conducted previous attacks on the Engels air base dating back to December 2022. In January, Ukraine claimed to have struck an oil depot serving the base, causing a massive fire that took five days to extinguish. A Ukrainian security source reported at that time that a drone attack had struck a storage facility holding guided bombs and missiles at the Engels base.