Kyiv has reported successful strikes on two military airfields within Russian territory, claiming these facilities have been utilized to launch aerial attacks on Ukraine. This announcement comes amid a significant escalation in bombardments between the two nations, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly from the United States, aimed at curbing Russia’s ongoing invasion that has persisted for over three years.
The timing of Kyiv’s declaration coincided with a massive retaliatory assault by Russia, which involved dozens of missile strikes and the deployment of hundreds of drones targeting Ukraine. This surge in military activity appears to be a direct response to a recent Ukrainian drone assault on key airfields within Russia.
The Ukrainian military specifically identified the Engels airfield in the Saratov region, noting its strategic importance due to the concentration of Russian aircraft present there. Located hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border, this airfield has reportedly been a central hub for Russian military operations. Additionally, the Dyagilevo airfield, located near Moscow, was also cited as a target, with Ukraine alleging that it houses refueling and escort jets that facilitate aerial combat missions against Ukrainian forces.
In their comprehensive assault, Ukrainian forces claimed to have struck at least three fuel and oil depots in Saratov, underscoring their commitment to targeting military logistics until the invasion is comprehensively halted. Concurrently, local authorities in Saratov, including governor Roman Busargin, acknowledged that drone strikes had resulted in damage to a residential building in the city of Engels, although he confirmed that there were no civilian casualties reported.
Social media has been flooded with unverified footage depicting the aftermath of the strikes, including images of a high-rise building engulfed in flames and large fires at what local news sources identified as an oil depot.
Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has continuously conducted operations against Russian targets on its soil. Just last week, these efforts resulted in noticeable damage to nuclear-capable aircraft stationed at bases situated deep within Russian territory, including in Siberia, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region’s security landscape.
