On August 26, 2024, the Saratov region of Russia experienced a drone attack, reportedly launched by Ukraine. The incident resulted in damage to residential buildings in the cities of Saratov and Engels, located approximately 730 kilometers southeast of Moscow.
Roman Busargin, the governor of Rostov, reported via Telegram that falling debris from drones destroyed by Russian air defense systems caused damage to homes in both cities. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the affected areas.
Engels, situated across the Volga River from Saratov, is home to the Engels-2 air base, which hosts the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division. This strategic military installation, where Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers are stationed, has been a target of Ukrainian attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, now two and a half years ago.
While the extent of the damage to the military base remains unclear, video evidence shared on Telegram by the Russian news channel SHOT revealed the impact on civilian infrastructure. In Saratov, a high-rise residential building suffered damage to its side, with several windows blown out across three floors. Meanwhile, in Engels, the top floor of a residential building was affected.
"We do not comment on alleged attacks on Russian territory."
It's worth noting that both Saratov and Engels are significant cities in the region. Saratov, founded in the 16th century as a fortress to protect Russia's southern borders, has grown into an important industrial and cultural center. The city is home to the prestigious Saratov Conservatory, one of the oldest music schools in Russia. Engels, formerly known as Pokrovsk until 1931, was renamed after the German philosopher Friedrich Engels.
The Saratov region, bordering Kazakhstan to the east, is known for its agricultural production, particularly wheat and sunflowers. It also boasts the Saratov Bridge, one of the longest in Europe, connecting Saratov and Engels across the Volga River, which is the longest river in Europe.
Interestingly, the region has a connection to space exploration history. Yuri Gagarin, the first human to orbit Earth, completed his pilot training in Saratov.
As of now, there has been no immediate comment from Ukraine regarding the attack. Both Russia and Ukraine consistently deny targeting civilians in their military operations, asserting that their attacks aim to destroy infrastructure crucial to war efforts.
This incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has now extended well beyond the initial invasion date, affecting civilian populations far from the immediate war zone.