Ukraine has launched two drone strikes near Russia’s Engels Air Force Base in Saratov, targeting critical infrastructure and temporarily disrupting the Kremlin's long-range bomber operations.
The strikes, carried out on January 8 and January 14, focused on facilities supporting Russia's Tupolev Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers.
According to Forbes, these aircraft are frequently used for missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Strikes Target Fuel Depot
The first strike on January 8 ignited a massive fire at a fuel depot near the base, reportedly storing up to 800,000 tons of fuel. The fire burned for six days before being extinguished, causing logistical challenges.
The second strike, just days later on January 14, further intensified the disruption to the base’s operations.
While these strikes won’t completely halt Russian missile operations, they aim to weaken the Kremlin’s ability to sustain air raids on Ukraine. Repeated drone attacks, such as these, can create ongoing logistical hurdles, forcing Russia to slow or modify its operations.
Ukraine's drones, capable of traveling long distances and delivering substantial explosive payloads, are proving to be a key element in its strategy to disrupt Russia’s military infrastructure.
