Ukraine launches their largest attack on a Russian air base since the war started

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has confirmed they launched a drone strike on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast overnight.

Governor Roman Busargin reported that Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on the airbase which is the largest since the war started.

The massive attack drone attack was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Engels-2 airbase is home to the Russian strategic nuclear capable bombers which also store high explosive aerial bombs, cruise missiles, and guided aerial bombs, following the attack, huge explosions were heard with thick plumes of smoke visible on Thursday morning.

Russian Telegram channels report the largest drone attack on Russian Engels and Saratov, according to the local governor.

It is reported that evacuation was announced in the area of the local airfield (it hosts Russian strategic bombers that attack Ukraine). pic.twitter.com/SyqnzQQ4tH

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 20, 2025

There were secondary explosions of munitions recorded in the area of the military airbase.

The Ukrainian General Staff said, “The Ukrainian Defense Forces possess detailed information about the strategic objects of the Russian occupiers, adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law, and take measures to maximize the protection of civilians and end the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.”

Russian air defences shot down 132 Ukrainian drones, with 54 over Sratov Oblast, 40 over Voronezh Oblast and 22 over Belgorod Oblast, Lipetsk, Rostov and Kursk Oblasts including Crimea.