Drone attacks hit Russian bases in Engels and Saratov amid loud explosions
Drone attack on regions of Russia (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Drones struck strategic sites in Russia's Saratov and Engels regions, where key aviation assets are stationed. Locals reported hearing explosions, air defense systems in action, and fires breaking out, according to Russian media sources.
In the early hours of June 6, Russia got a taste of war on its soil as several regions came under a large-scale drone assault.
Residents described powerful blasts, air raid sirens blaring, and anti-aircraft defenses firing in response.
Some of the drones were intercepted, but others managed to hit their targets.
Air raid alerts and explosions: What we know
Roman Busargin, the governor of the Saratov region, officially confirmed a drone threat and declared a state of emergency.
Around 2:20 a.m., residents of Saratov and Engels reported a series of explosions. Prior to that, buzzing sounds of drones were heard over several districts. The region also experienced air raid sirens and what sounded like automatic gunfire, likely from air defense systems engaging the targets.
Attack hits airport and residential areas
At Gagarin International Airport in Saratov, all flights were temporarily suspended, and a special emergency protocol known as Carpet was activated.
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) confirmed that the airport halted all arrivals and departures, with flight crews and air traffic controllers operating under heightened security measures.
Meanwhile, drone debris struck a residential building in the city of Engels, specifically a high-rise in the Oblaka housing complex on Telmana Street.
Eyewitnesses reported a fire on one of the balconies and broken windows across multiple floors. Emergency crews are currently working at the scene.
Situation in other regions
Residents in Russia’s Tula and Ryazan regions also reported drone threats and air defense activity overnight.
In the Dyagilevo area, where a major airbase is located, locals noted drone sightings and a fire, suggesting another potential strike on strategic military infrastructure.
As of now, there are no official reports of casualties or injuries.
All emergency services have been placed on full alert, according to Saratov Governor Roman Busargin.
Tensions also escalated in occupied Crimea
On the evening of June 5, multiple air raid alerts, five in total, were issued across the occupied Crimean Peninsula. Explosions were reportedly heard near Krasnoperekopsk, Armiansk, Novofedorivka, and the Saky area.
Meanwhile, President Putin was urged to stop complaining about Ukrainian strikes on Russian aircraft and instead agree to at least a 30-day ceasefire.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Kremlin leader to drop his unrealistic ultimatums, stop dodging a face-to-face meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and engage in honest negotiations aimed at a fair and lasting peace.
