Ukrainian Drones Hit Key Russian Military Installations in Overnight Offensive

Ukrainian drones targeted two Russian airbases, a fuel depot, and a missile and aircraft manufacturing facility overnight, as reported by Ukraine’s military on Friday, marking an escalation in long-range assaults from both sides.

According to a statement from Ukraine’s General Staff, “A successful strike was executed on the Engels airfield located in the Saratov region, where enemy aircraft are concentrated.”

The Engels-2 airbase is situated approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border and around 730 kilometers (454 miles) southeast of Moscow.

The Ukrainian military asserted that “multiple strikes” caused explosions and ignited a significant fire at an oil refinery, which local witnesses claimed supplies the Engels-2 airbase. Reports indicated that three fuel tanks were set ablaze.

The Moscow Times was unable to independently authenticate these assertions.

Roman Busargin, the Governor of the Saratov region, confirmed a drone attack on an unspecified industrial facility in Engels, noting damage to a residential building. No injuries were reported.

Ukrainian forces also allegedly targeted Russian missile launchers in Bryansk overnight, reportedly thwarting an anticipated strike on Ukraine. Potential targets included Iskander launchers, a missile storage facility, and aircraft present at the airport.

The Ukrainian military also claimed it focused on the Dyagilevo airbase in the Ryazan region, which serves refueling and escort planes aiding Russian missile operations. Located around 520 kilometers (320 miles) from Ukraine, this base also functions as a training and maintenance center.

Ryazan region Governor Pavel Malkov stated that Russian air defenses intercepted the drones and noted that there were no reported casualties.

Additionally, a high-tech facility for aviation and missile control systems in Michurinsk, Tambov region, was targeted, according to Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation. He mentioned that the Progress plant manufactures components for Russian missile and artillery systems.

Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov of the Tambov region confirmed a drone strike on an unspecified business in Michurinsk, with three individuals hospitalized due to injuries.

In the Bryansk region, which borders northeastern Ukraine, there were unverified reports of Ukrainian drones hitting an airport, causing damage to several military helicopters. Social media posts featured images and videos of a large fireball erupting above what was believed to be Bryansk International Airport.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed it intercepted or downed 174 Ukrainian drones across 12 regions and occupied Crimea during the night, as well as three anti-ship missiles over the Black Sea. Injuries were reported in several areas.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that at least 10 drones were shot down en route to the capital. Civil aviation authorities temporarily suspended flights at three of Moscow’s four airports, along with airports in the Kaluga, Saratov, and Samara regions.

“Strikes on military infrastructure will persist until the complete halt of armed aggression from the Russian Federation against Ukraine,” stated Ukraine’s General Staff.

Concurrently, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched 407 drones and 44 missiles across its territory overnight, resulting in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries.