Explosions rock Russian cities overnight as drones hit key military and oil targets

Luhansk

Explosions were reported overnight in the occupied city of Luhansk. Fires broke out after drones struck several facilities, according to local Telegram channels. Videos showed the moments of the explosions with drone sounds and visible fires.

Russian media, citing the so-called Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), reported that over 20 drones flew over the city. Kovalenko added that "Russian logistics are burning" in Luhansk.

The Ukrainian Military Command has not yet commented on the incident.

At the same time, several Russian cities experienced explosions and sirens overnight on July 1.

Drone attack on Saratov and Engels

Residents of Saratov and Engels reported hearing explosions. Roman Busargin, Acting Governor of Saratov Region, confirmed a drone threat and said emergency services were put on full alert.

Airports in Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk temporarily suspended operations.

Yury Slyusar, Acting Governor of Rostov Region, said air defense systems shot down drones over Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, Novoshakhtinsk, and other areas. Preliminary reports say there were no casualties.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it destroyed 60 Ukrainian drones over six Russian regions, Crimea, and the waters of the Black and Azov Seas.

Engels hosts the Engels-2 military airfield, a base for strategic Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers.

Nizhnekamsk is known for the large TANECO oil refining complex. Nearby is the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where Russian Shahed attack drones are assembled.

As a reminder, on the evening of June 5, five air raid alerts were declared on the occupied Crimean Peninsula. Explosions were reported near Krasnoperekopsk, Armiansk, Novofedorivka, and in the Saky district.

Putin was also advised to stop complaining about Ukrainian strikes on his aircraft and to agree to at least a 30-day ceasefire.