UKRAINE Strikes Russian Airbase
The Krakow Post
Ukraine hit a major Russian missile depot near the city of Saratov, sending a mushroom cloud billowing into the sky. Photo Credit: East2West
Ukraine has executed a significant military operation, striking the Engels airfield deep inside Russian territory with a wave of drones. The attack caused a massive explosion, with footage revealing a fireball so intense that some observers compared it to a nuclear blast.
Engels airfield, located about 700 kilometers from the front lines, is a critical Russian military base housing Tupolev Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers, known as “White Swans.” The explosion sent debris scattering across the area, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents. Reports confirmed that at least ten people were injured in the incident.
Russia reacted swiftly, claiming its air defenses successfully intercepted 132 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions. However, in Engels, local officials declared a state of emergency, and reports emerged of residents finding drone wreckage in their backyards. The extent of the damage to military assets remains uncertain, but the attack underscored Ukraine’s growing capability to strike deep into Russian territory.
This is not the first time Ukraine has targeted the Engels base. Previous attacks date back to December 2022, when a strike on an oil depot led to a fire that burned for five days. More recently, in January, Ukraine claimed responsibility for an assault on a storage facility containing guided bombs and missiles at the same location.
Ukraine’s ability to penetrate Russia’s defenses and launch precision strikes at such distances represents a significant challenge for Moscow. While Russia continues to bolster its air defenses, Ukraine’s drone strategy is proving increasingly effective in disrupting key military operations.
The attack on Engels airfield signals that Ukraine remains determined to take the fight beyond the immediate front lines. With the war showing no signs of de-escalation, such high-impact strikes could further shift the strategic landscape in the months ahead.
