Explosions in the cities of Engels and Saratov. A Rosneft refinery on fire after drone attacks
A series of explosions rocked the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels on the night of Monday into Tuesday, with reports on social networks of a fire that broke out at the Saratov refinery belonging to Rosneft, the Kyiv Post reports.
According to Russian Telegram channels, air defenses were on high alert in both cities due to the threat posed by drones. Locals reported between five and seven loud explosions after 1am.
Eyewitnesses said flares were visible in the southwestern city of Saratov and they could hear the noise of drones flying overhead.
The governor of the Saratov region, Roman Busargin, confirmed drone attacks, and Rosaviatsia imposed temporary flight restrictions at Saratov airport.
“Specialists are inspecting the entire area to remove any danger. Once all safety measures are taken, residents will be able to return to their homes. If necessary, citizens will be offered free hotel accommodation,” the official announced.
On Tuesday morning, Telegram channels reported new explosions in Saratov, but local authorities did not comment on a second attack.
The Saratov refinery produces more than 20 types of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, bitumen and sulfur.
The region is also home to Engels Air Base, from where Russian bombers are regularly launched for missile attacks on Ukraine.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, air defense intercepted and destroyed 37 Ukrainian drones during the night – 10 over occupied Crimea, 8 over Saratov region and 7 over Oryol region.
Attack on the Odesa region
The head of the Odesa region, Oleh Kiper, reported that Russia launched a massive drone attack on southern Ukraine overnight.
“Despite the active activity of our air defense, civilian energy and transportation infrastructure has suffered damage,” Kiper said. “Fires broke out at several energy facilities, but were quickly extinguished. The Ukrzaliznitia warehouse and administrative buildings were also damaged.”
Critical infrastructure in the region is currently running on generators, and “invincibility points” have been opened for residents, Kiper added.
