In a sweeping military operation, Ukraine conducted extensive strikes on multiple Russian cities, targeting key military and industrial facilities deep within Russian territory.
According to Ukrainian officials, the coordinated attack hit targets in Engels, Saratov, Kazan, Bryansk, and Tula regions. The strikes focused on weapon production plants, oil refineries, and military warehouses using a combination of drones and missiles.
Russia's defense ministry reported intercepting six U.S.-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six British Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and at least 146 drones. The attack represents one of the largest drone operations against Russian territory since the conflict began.
A source from Ukraine's Security Service confirmed strikes on the Engels airbase munitions storage facility in Saratov region. The operation reportedly caused substantial damage to the Aleksinsky chemical plant and Saratovsky oil refinery, with fires breaking out at multiple locations.
In Saratov region, approximately 450 miles southeast of Moscow, Governor Roman Busargin confirmed damage to two industrial sites, prompting schools to switch to remote learning.
The Russian defense ministry warned that "the actions of the Kyiv regime will not go unanswered." This follows Russia's November response to earlier Ukrainian strikes when Moscow launched its new "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile.
The escalation comes amid uncertainty over continued Western support for Ukraine. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently running for re-election, has advocated for swift peace negotiations to end the conflict.
Flight restrictions were implemented at airports across multiple Russian cities including Kazan, Saratov, Penza, Ulyanovsk, and Nizhnekamsk in response to the attacks.
The conflict, which began with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions, marking the most severe deterioration in Moscow-West relations since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.