Russia’s Saratov oil refinery ablaze after drone attack, Engels airfield also hit
Photo: Russian Emergency Situations Ministry worker (Getty Images)
Saratov Region came under a drone attack overnight on August 2, with a fire breaking out at an airport. A fire was also reported at the Engels airfield, which was also targeted by drones, according to OSINT channels.
Local channels began reporting a drone threat at around 2 a.m. About an hour later, reports began circulating about the aftermath of the drone attack.
Footage from Saratov, where an oil refinery caught fire, as well as from Engels airfield shows large fires and thick columns of smoke rising into the sky, visible from a considerable distance.
Regional Governor Roman Busargin confirmed that drones had caused damage in the region.
"Following the UAV attack, civilian infrastructure was damaged in Saratov and Engels. All emergency services are working at the scene," Busargin's press service said.
Drones strike Saratov oil refinery and Engels airfield pic.twitter.com/10qiJERzeL
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) August 2, 2026
#Saratov refinery catches fire after drone strike, Engels airfield hit too pic.twitter.com/x91FjO4XT8
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) August 2, 2026
Strikes on Russia's energy sector
Ukraine's use of drones to strike Russia's energy infrastructure is well documented. The attacks have contributed to a fuel shortage in the aggressor country, forcing Russia to import fuel for domestic consumption.
Gasoline has been a particular issue. For example, Moscow recently began buying gasoline from India, a country to which Russia itself sold oil not long ago.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the day before that Russia was restoring damaged oil refineries. He outlined a plan aimed at preventing Russian forces from restoring stability in the energy sector.
