Residents of the Saratov region in Russia were jolted awake early on March 28, 2025, by the sound of air raid sirens and explosions as Ukrainian drones launched a significant attack on the area. Reports indicate that more than 30 explosions were heard, particularly in the towns of Saratov and Engels, where military installations are located.
The explosions began around 4 a.m., with the Governor of the Saratov region, Roman Busargin, confirming the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) shortly after. In a message on the official Telegram channel, he stated, "Information from the Ministry of Defense about a UAV threat has been received. Local warning systems are operational, and all emergency services are on full alert." The sirens in Engels were activated around 5:12 a.m., while residents in Saratov reported no such alerts initially.
By 8:34 a.m., Governor Busargin reported that 19 UAVs had been successfully eliminated in the Saratov region, thanking military personnel for their efforts. He also noted that there were no preliminary reports of casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure, providing some relief to residents who have been on edge following previous attacks.
In Engels, where the strategic bomber base housing Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft is situated, eyewitnesses described seeing bright flashes in the sky and hearing at least four explosions around 4:05 a.m. Social media channels, including the Mash Telegram channel, echoed these accounts, indicating that the air defense systems were actively engaged. Reports of explosions continued throughout the morning, with residents in Balakovo, home to the Balakovo nuclear power plant, also hearing blasts.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation confirmed that the drone attack affected several regions, with a total of 78 UAVs intercepted across the country. Specifically, 32 drones were shot down in the Voronezh region, 19 in Saratov, 17 in Kursk, six in Belgorod, two in Lipetsk, and one each in Rostov and Tambov. This marks a continuation of drone threats that have plagued the region amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
This latest incident follows a particularly intense drone attack on March 20, 2025, which Governor Busargin described as the most massive since the start of the conflict. During that attack, 54 drones were downed over the Saratov region, resulting in injuries to 10 residents and damage to numerous homes and social facilities. An evacuation was ordered for several gardening non-profit partnerships (SNTs) in the area due to safety concerns.
In the aftermath of the March 20 attack, the governor had reported that the fire at the Engels-2 military airfield prompted an evacuation of nearby residents. He stated that significant supplies of aviation fuel were destroyed, impacting Russia's military operations. Ukrainian officials claimed that the missiles targeted during the attack were intended for strikes on Ukraine in the coming weeks.
As the situation developed on March 28, authorities were quick to respond, with Saratov Airport temporarily halting operations to ensure passenger safety amidst the ongoing threat. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that the threat of UAV attacks had been lifted by late morning.
In a show of support for those affected by the drone attacks, Governor Busargin announced that residents of Engels who suffered injuries would receive financial assistance based on the severity of their injuries. Payments will range from 30,000 rubles for minor injuries to 150,000 rubles for severe cases. Additionally, residents will be compensated for damaged property, with amounts varying between 100,000 and 250,000 rubles.
As tensions continue to rise and drone attacks become more frequent, the residents of the Saratov region remain vigilant. The threat of further assaults looms large, with the governor urging residents to stay alert and prepared for any eventualities.
The ongoing conflict has not only affected military operations but has also had profound implications for civilian life in the region. With each drone attack, the fear and uncertainty among residents grow, highlighting the precarious situation they find themselves in.
As the situation unfolds, the resilience of the community will be tested further. The local government is working to ensure that the necessary support systems are in place, both for immediate response and long-term recovery.
In the face of these challenges, the people of the Saratov region are left grappling with the reality of living under the threat of drone strikes, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict that has reshaped their lives.
