Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia’s Engels airbase, located about 700 km (435 miles) from the front lines on Thursday. The attack caused a massive explosion and a fire, according to Russian officials.

Massive Explosion Captured on Video

A video circulating on Russian Telegram channels, verified by Reuters, showed a powerful blast at the airfield. The explosion severely damaged nearby homes. Another verified video displayed thick smoke rising above the destroyed cottages.

Russia Claims to Have Shot Down Drones

Russia’s defense ministry reported that its air defense systems shot down 132 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions. However, officials did not specify how many drones directly targeted the Engels base.

Engels Airbase: A Strategic Military Hub

Engels airbase has played a crucial role in Russia’s military operations since Soviet times. It houses Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers, known as “White Swans,” which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Authorities Confirm Attack, Evacuate Residents

Saratov governor Roman Busargin confirmed the drone attack in Engels. He reported a fire at an airfield and said nearby residents had been evacuated. However, he did not directly name the Engels airbase, despite it being the largest airfield in the region.

Meanwhile, Engels district head Maxim Leonov declared a state of emergency but provided little information. Reuters could not independently verify the full extent of the damage.

Ukraine’s Past Strikes on Engels Airbase

Ukraine has targeted the Engels airbase multiple times. The first attacks date back to December 2022. In January, Ukraine claimed responsibility for hitting an oil depot serving the base. The strike caused a massive fire that burned for five days. A Ukrainian security source also reported that a previous drone strike hit a storage facility at Engels containing guided bombs and missiles.

Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Refinery in Syzran

On the same night, Ukraine attacked an oil refinery in Syzran, located in Russia’s Samara region. Regional governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed the incident.

“Emergency services are working on the territory of the enterprise. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties,” Fedorishchev wrote on Telegram.

He did not confirm whether the refinery sustained damage. However, reports from the Baza and Mash Telegram channels suggested the strike caused a fire.

Russia Claims More Drone Interceptions

Russia’s defense ministry reported that air defense systems destroyed nine Ukrainian drones overnight. These interceptions took place over Bryansk, Tatarstan, Tula, and the Black Sea.

Escalation Continues

Despite Russia’s defense efforts, Ukraine continues drone strikes on key military and infrastructure sites. The conflict remains intense as both sides escalate attacks. The international community is closely watching the developments.