In the early hours of March 20, 2025, the Saratov region in Russia was hit by a large-scale drone attack launched by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
This strike is being called the largest drone assault in the region to date, according to regional officials.
The attack caused significant damage to key sites, including an airfield and an oil refinery in the cities of Saratov and Engels.
Initial Drone Threat Reports and Shootdowns
The alarming sounds of air raid sirens began around 4 a.m., signaling the approach of the drones.
The Russian Ministry of Defense quickly confirmed that a total of 54 UAVs had been shot down over the Saratov region.
However, the aftermath of the attack indicated that several targets had been successfully struck, leading to fires and significant damage.
Fires and Evacuations in Engels
The city of Engels, one of the primary targets of the drone strike, experienced a massive fire at its local airfield.
This forced the evacuation of nearby dacha communities, with residents in the Malinki and Children’s Sanatorium areas being relocated for safety.
Authorities reported that another fire broke out at an oil refinery in the region, further adding to the chaos.
Many locals described the terrifying moments when the explosions shook their homes, following the sound of air raid sirens.
Details of the Drone Strike and the Technology Behind It
According to sources from Telegram, the AFU used a combination of PD-2, “Lutyi,” and other homemade drones to carry out the strike on Engels.
These drones, equipped with bombs weighing around five kilograms, were launched from multiple Ukrainian regions, including Cherkasy and Dnipropetrovsk.
The drones were flown at low altitudes, attacking in groups of 10-15 at a time.
The attack was well-coordinated, as the drones struck key infrastructure across the area.
Casualties and Damage to Civilian Areas
The damage was not limited to military targets. Engels City Clinical Hospital No. 1 was hit, with shattered windows on the upper floors and shrapnel damaging patient rooms.
One woman was injured by debris but was quickly treated and is reported to be in stable condition.
The hospital’s oxygen pipeline was also damaged, prompting the relocation of patients and staff.
The hospital is expected to resume normal operations later in the day.
Increased Casualties and Property Damage
As reports came in, the initial count of two injuries grew.
A second resident of Engels sought medical attention after being injured by drone debris.
The damage wasn’t limited to the hospital, as a private house in Saratov’s Sokolovaya Gora area was also struck.
In Engels, several schools, kindergartens, and apartment buildings were damaged. Thankfully, there were no children present at the time, though local schools moved to remote learning as a precautionary measure.
Community Impact and Ongoing Assessments
Governor Roman Busargin later confirmed that approximately 30 private homes and dachas in Engels had been affected by the attack.
Some residents have sought medical help, though the exact number of casualties is still being assessed.
Local authorities have been instructed to evaluate the needs of those affected and to provide material support.
Overview of Saratov Region
Saratov Oblast, located in the southeastern part of European Russia, is a significant federal subject of Russia, with a population of over 2.4 million as of the 2021 Census.
The oblast stretches 575 kilometers from west to east and is part of the Lower Volga region.
The city of Saratov serves as the administrative center of the oblast, which is known for its rich history and important economic contributions to Russia.
In the wake of this dramatic attack, officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and respond to the needs of affected residents in the Saratov and Engels areas.