Russia reports downing 132 drones, fires at Engels airfield, oil depot

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20.03.2025 10:05

Ukrinform

On March 20, Russia claimed to have repelled a massive drone attack carried out by Ukraine reporting the downing of 132 UAVs.

According to BBC Russian service, citing Russia's Ministry of Defense, the majority of drones were intercepted in Saratov region (54 drones), Voronezh region (40), Belgorod region (22), Rostov region (nine), Kursk region (three drones), Lipetsk region (one drone), and occupied Crimea (three drones).

Despite claims of successful interception, reports indicate significant damage and fires. In Saratov region, a fire broke out at an oil depot in Engels, as reported by Russian Telegram channels and media citing local residents.

"Local residents from Saratov and Engels reported that around four o'clock in the morning they were woken up by the loud wailing of sirens, followed by a series of explosions. Eyewitnesses also reported a fire in the area of the oil depot in Engels," writes the Shot channel.

According to local authorities, the Engels Town Hospital No. 1 sustained broken windows due to the blasts. A woman was injured in the incident. Roman Busargin, governor of Saratov region, confirmed the attack but did not mention the oil depot.

Read also: Drones attack fuel and energy complex in Russia's Astrakhan region

He reported fires at the Engels airfield, prompting the evacuation of residents from nearby homes. According to him, approximately 30 private houses in Engels were damaged, and some residents sought medical assistance.

Governor Busargin stated that the drone raid was the most massive on the region since the start of the full-scale invasion: "Saratov and Engels experienced the most massive UAV attack ever."

As reported by Ukrinform, overnight on March 20, Kropyvnytskyi was subjected to a massive drone attack with multiple explosions reported.