Operators of Ukraine’s 14th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Aerial Systems, in collaboration with other units of the Defense Forces, executed a precision strike on the Engels-2 military airfield near Saratov during the night of January 13-14.
This development was confirmed by an official statement to United24 Media.
Engels-2 is an important airbase for Russia’s strategic aviation, housing Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers from the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division — aircraft regularly deployed in attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
The strike targeted infrastructure supporting Russia’s air force, setting ablaze aviation fuel tanks at the ‘Crystal’ oil depot, which supplies the Tu-160 heavy bombers.
These bombers have been instrumental in Russia’s air campaign against Ukrainian cities and civilian populations.
“This operation is part of a larger effort by Ukraine’s Defense Forces to degrade the operational capabilities of the enemy’s strategic aviation,” the regiment stated.
They added a wry note about keeping Engels’ firefighting brigades “fully occupied,” especially as Russia faces mounting economic pressures.
Reports from Russian media, including ASTRA, indicate that drone attacks also targeted Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, as well as the city of Engels in the Saratov region. These strikes caused fires and disrupted industrial operations, further illustrating the reach and effectiveness of Ukraine’s drone campaigns.
