Ukraine launched an overnight attack on Russian territory, targeting an oil depot in the city of Engels, the Ukrainian military reported Wednesday. The depot, situated near the “Engels-2” air base housing Russian nuclear bomber planes, caught fire during what Ukrainian officials called a significant strike aimed at crippling Russia’s military logistics.
The governor of the Saratov region, which includes Engels, confirmed a “mass drone attack” had hit Engels and nearby Saratov on opposite sides of the Volga River. While he acknowledged a fire at an industrial site, he did not specify its location or report casualties.
Strategic Impact on Russian Aviation
According to a Ukrainian military statement on Telegram, the strike caused multiple explosions and ignited a large fire at the “Kristal” oil depot, a key supplier of fuel to the Engels-2 airfield. Ukraine claimed the attack would create “serious logistical problems” for Russian strategic aviation, limiting their ability to launch airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
Presidential adviser Oleksandr Kamyshin suggested the attack utilized Ukraine’s own long-range capabilities, underscoring the operation with the hashtag #MadeInUkraine, signaling that no Western-supplied weapons were involved.
Drone Activity and Response
Russia’s defense ministry stated that 11 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Saratov region and 21 in other areas, including the Azov Sea. However, it did not acknowledge any damage. Social media videos and satellite images verified by Reuters showed a large fire with orange flames and thick black smoke billowing over Engels’ industrial zone.
Regional governor Roman Busargin assured residents that sufficient resources were available to contain the fire. Authorities also urged citizens to remain calm and avoid photographing or filming drones in the area.
Ongoing Escalation
This strike marks another escalation in the nearly three-year-old conflict. Since last year, Ukraine has deployed Western-supplied long-range weapons, including U.S. ATACMS missiles and British Storm Shadows, prompting Russia to retaliate with its Oreshnik hypersonic missile. The Kremlin has consistently vowed countermeasures against Ukrainian strikes within its borders.
The Engels air base, located roughly 730 kilometers southeast of Moscow and several hundred kilometers from the Ukrainian border, has been a recurring target. In December 2022, three Russian air force personnel were killed at the base when a drone was intercepted.
Broader Implications
While Engels residents reported hearing dozens of explosions, Ukrainian officials highlighted the operation’s potential to disrupt Russia’s strategic military operations. As the war continues to intensify, both sides remain locked in a cycle of retaliation, with each strike further escalating tensions in the region.
