Unknown drones hit Russia's Saratov and Volgograd regions, sparking fires
Engels airbase in Russia (photo: Russian media)
Throughout the night, air raid sirens sounded in Saratov and air defenses were active, while a power substation caught fire in Russia's Volgograd region, according to Russian media.
Throughout the night of October 16, air raid sirens sounded in the Russian city of Saratov, and explosions were heard. Air defense systems were active in the town.
Residents reported seeing unidentified flying objects resembling drones.
It was also reported that some of the drones flew toward the Samara region.
The governor announced a massive attack on energy facilities in the Volgograd region. According to him, debris from an unidentified drone caused a fire at the Balashovskaya power substation. Several nearby settlements were left without electricity.
The substation provides the transit flow of electricity from the Volga Hydroelectric Station to Russia's Central region, as well as power supply to consumers in the Novonikolaevsky district of the Volgograd region, the southeastern part of the Voronezh region, and the western part of the Saratov region, according to the Telegram channel Krymsky Veter (Crimean Wind).
Attacks on the Saratov region
The Engels airbase is located in Russia's Saratov region — it is from this base that Russia launches Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers for missile strikes on Ukraine.
Unidentified drones periodically attack the city.
For instance, in June 2025, UAVs struck strategic facilities in Saratov and Engels. Residents also reported hearing explosions, air defense activity, and fires. For more details, read the full report by RBC-Ukraine.
