Updated March 20th 2025, 17:46 IST
Ukraine has launched a powerful drone strike on a key Russian military airfield near the Engels strategic bomber base, forcing local officials to declare a state of emergency.
Footage circulating online shows a massive mushroom cloud rising over Engels, located in Russia’s Saratov region. The base is home to Vladimir Putin’s Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers, which have played a crucial role in Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine.
Roman Busargin, the governor of Saratov, confirmed that the airfield was ablaze following the attack and that nearby residents had to be evacuated for safety reasons.
Russian state media reported that “10 victims” were affected by the strike but did not provide further details on casualties or damage, as per a report from The Telegraph.
The Engels base, situated roughly 435 miles from the front lines in Ukraine, has been used as a launch site for Russian long-range bombers throughout the war. It also stores Kh-101 and Kh-55 cruise missiles, which have been deployed in strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Although Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to a partial ceasefire covering civilian and energy infrastructure, the attack on the military base does not appear to breach this agreement, as it was a strategic military target.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that a partial ceasefire had yet to take full effect. “I understand that until we agree (with Russia), until there is a corresponding document on even a partial ceasefire, I think that everything will fly,” Zelensky told reporters.
The strike on Engels marks a significant moment in Ukraine’s ongoing counter-offensive, demonstrating its ability to hit deep into Russian territory. With tensions high and no finalized ceasefire document in place, further strikes and counterstrikes may continue in the coming days.
For now, both sides remain locked in a war that shows little sign of ending soon.
Published March 20th 2025, 17:46 IST