A Ukrainian drone attack on Engels airbase in Saratov Oblast overnight on March 20 marked the most intense drone assault on the region since the start of the full-scale conflict. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that 54 drones were intercepted over Saratov Oblast during the attack.
Roman Busargin, the governor of Saratov Oblast, described the incident as the “most massive UAV attack of all time.” He reported that the attack caused a fire at the airfield and damaged approximately 30 houses. Windows at a nearby hospital were shattered, injuring one woman, and two kindergartens and a school also sustained damage.
Ukraine’s General Staff claimed responsibility for the Ukrainian drone attack on Engels airbase, confirming that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Special Operations Forces. According to Ukrainian military officials, “fire, explosions, and secondary detonation of ammunition were recorded in the area of the airport.”
A source in the SBU, speaking to the Kyiv Independent, stated that the Engels-2 airbase is a key Russian military facility used for launching missile strikes on Ukraine and targeting civilians. “To be continued,” the Ukrainian military’s statement concluded, hinting at further operations.
