Ukrainian drones ignite strategic fuel depot in Russian city
Ukrainian drones attacked a fuel depot in the city of Engels in the Saratov region of western Russia. According to independent Russian sources, the depot stores aviation fuel for the Russian strategic aviation base located in this city.
The Russian Ministry of Defence claims that it shot down 32 Ukrainian drones overnight, with the highest number—11—over the Saratov region.
It was reported that four drones were shot down over the Kursk and Rostov regions, three over the Belgorod and Bryansk regions, two over the Krasnodar Krai, one over the Volgograd region, and four over the Sea of Azov.
The Governor of the Saratov region, Roman Busargin, acknowledged that "drone debris damaged one of the enterprises in the city of Engels." This is where the Russian strategic aviation base is situated, which has been targeted multiple times by Ukrainian forces.
Attack on the fuel base for the "Bears"?
Previously, Russian strategic bombers Tu-95 (NATO codename "Bear") were stationed at this base. However, after several attacks on the airfield and damage to at least one "Bear", it is reported that the Russians relocated these aircraft to the Olenya base beyond the Arctic Circle.
The governor could not conceal that the city had been attacked. Residents reported a series of loud explosions on their Telegram channels. Additionally, he could not hide the fact that a significant fire occurred due to the attack. However, he did not confirm that it was an aviation fuel depot utilised by the nearby Russian airbase.
Nevertheless, residents and independent Russian channels such as Astra and BAZA reported the nature of the blaze, which, through geolocation methods, was verified as concerning fuel depots for the airbase.
The drone attack occurred around midnight GMT. By approximately 6 a.m. GMT, despite firefighters' efforts, the base was still ablaze, with a column of dark smoke rising over the city.
Source: TG, pravda.com.ua, ria.ru
