Amid Ceasefire talks, Zelenskyy’s Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Nuclear Bomber Airfield With Precision Missile, 10 Injured

New Delhi: Ukraine launched a drone attack on a Russian military airfield near Engels in Russia's Saratov region on Thursday, injuring at least 10 people. The strike targeted the Engels strategic bomber base. The regional authorities confirmed the attack, stating that all the wounded individuals are receiving hospital treatment, and their lives are not at risk.

Videos circulating online depict a large mushroom cloud ascending over Engels, a site in Russia's Saratov region. This airfield hosts Vladimir Putin ’s Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers, which have been integral to Russia’s airstrike efforts against Ukraine.

Saratov Governor Roman Busargin confirmed that the airfield was engulfed in flames after the assault, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents for their safety.

Attack Amid Ceasefire Talks

The attack comes just one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to a proposal from Russia to pause strikes on energy infrastructure. The agreement, made during a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, was viewed as a hopeful first step toward broader ceasefire negotiations between the warring nations. However, the attack on the military base does not seem to violate this deal, as it targeted a strategic military site. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the partial ceasefire had not yet fully taken effect. "I understand that until we reach an agreement with Russia and have an official document on even a partial ceasefire, I think everything will continue as it is," Zelensky told reporters.

In response to the drone attack, Russian authorities have imposed a state of emergency in the Engels district.