In a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict, the cities of Saratov and Engels in Russia experienced a significant drone attack on March 20, 2025, characterized by Governor Roman Busargin as the most massive UAV assault ever witnessed in the region.
According to reports, the attack began early in the morning, and various emergency services were quickly mobilized to respond to the destruction that followed. Governor Busargin conveyed through his social media accounts that all emergency responders continued to work in an enhanced mode to address the consequences of the attack.
The direct impact of the UAV strikes was felt acutely in Engels, where windows were broken in the City Clinical Hospital No. 1. A damaged oxygen pipeline was also noted. Importantly, a woman within the hospital required medical attention and was reported to be in stable condition. Another local resident sought treatment following the drone attack, illustrating the physical ramifications of the assault.
The devastation extended beyond the hospital. Reports indicated damage to residential property, particularly in the Sokolovaya Gora area of Saratov, where at least one private home sustained significant damage. Additionally, windows were shattered in two kindergartens and a school in Engels. Fortunately, there were no children present in those facilities at the time, and no staff members were injured. However, as a precaution, the schools in Engels transitioned to remote learning for the day.
In total, approximately 30 private and country houses across several horticultural societies in Engels were also damaged during the attack. Some of the residents required medical assistance, and local authorities prioritized reaching out to ensure residents affected by the drone strikes received the necessary support.
Further complications arose due to a fire breaking out at the aerodrome in Engels following the attacks. This situation prompted evacuations of nearby residents. Governor Busargin noted that regional security departments were already on the scene managing the chaos resulting from the drone incursions.
As the emergency response unfolded, additional reports detailed a significant presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' drones in the area. After the incident, Russian Ministry of Defense officials indicated that they had shot down approximately 54 UAVs over their territory that night, a statistic that underscores the intensity of this ongoing conflict.
The governor remarked, "Patients and staff were transferred to other premises of Engels City Clinical Hospital No. 1 after the UAV attack," reaffirming that the facility was still capable of providing medical services despite the setbacks. Furthermore, Busargin confirmed, "The oxygen pipeline was damaged and will be repaired during the day," assuring local inhabitants that operational capacity would soon be restored.
Governor Busargin also pledged that restoration work at affected social institutions would be expedited. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the emergency services and local authorities who have been tirelessly working to document and mitigate the damage.
As of today, the cities of Saratov and Engels are trying to recover from an unprecedented assault that has left both physical damage and psychological scars. The ramifications of this attack reflect the broader conflict’s escalating nature, affecting daily life in a region known for its resilience amid adversity.
In summary, the drone attack on March 20 has galvanized the local authorities and community, reinforcing the need for vigilance during these tumultuous times. Residents are urged to remain informed and compliant with safety measures laid out by emergency services as efforts to restore normalcy continue. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
