In the city of Engels, Saratov region, a massive fire broke out at an oil depot last night following a drone attack. Local residents reported hearing over thirty explosions in various parts of the city.
Strike on “Crystal Plant”
The targeted oil depot, “Crystal Plant,” supplies fuel to the strategic airbase “Engels-2,” which hosts Russia’s strategic aviation used for strikes on Ukrainian territory. According to the publication ASTRA, footage of the attack’s aftermath has been verified by comparing eyewitness videos with panoramic images from Google Maps. Later, the governor of the Saratov region also shared photos confirming the extent of the damage.
A Blow to Russia’s Military Logistics
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that the attack caused significant damage to the facility, which plays a critical role in fueling Russian strategic aviation. According to the General Staff, the destruction of the oil depot creates severe logistical challenges for the occupying forces, significantly reducing their capacity to carry out airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.
State of Emergency Declared in Engels
In response to the attack, local authorities declared a state of emergency in the city. Officials stated that the decision was made due to the expanding fire. A secondary detonation occurred at the oil depot, causing another fuel reservoir to explode.
Retaliatory Strike: Russia Targets Zaporizhzhia
In retaliation for the strike on Engels’ military facility, the Russian military launched an airstrike on the civilian city of Zaporizhzhia. The attack involved guided aerial bombs, which experts say lack precision at such distances. As a result, the strike deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure.
The latest reports indicate that at least 13 people were killed, and over 60 others were injured in the assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned this act of aggression, emphasizing that Russia is intentionally targeting civilians.
“This attack demonstrates that Russia seeks only war and bloodshed. This is why we cannot waste a single day—we must increase pressure on Moscow and force it towards peace,” Zelensky stated.
The Context of Russian Aggression
These events once again highlight Russia’s active use of strategic aviation to strike Ukraine, including civilian targets. Ukrainian forces respond with precise attacks on logistical hubs supporting the enemy’s war efforts, reducing their ability to sustain the conflict.
For a detailed analysis of recent successful operations by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeting Russian military facilities, we recommend reading this article: SBU Delivers Powerful Strikes on Russian Military Facilities: A Detailed Overview.