Moscow: A major incident has unfolded in Russia as Ukrainian forces launched a significant drone attack, targeting the tallest building in Saratov. On 26 August 2024, Ukraine’s military fired 20 drones at various locations across Russia, with nine of them directed at Saratov in one of the most intense assaults in recent months.
The attack on Saratov’s tallest building, a residential structure, resulted in severe damage, with half of the building reportedly destroyed. A woman sustained serious injuries during the attack and was swiftly transported to a hospital where doctors are currently fighting to save her life. The incident was confirmed by Saratov Governor Roman Busargin via the Telegram messaging app.
The debris from the downed drone also caused damage to a nearby house, further highlighting the intensity of the strike. In response, emergency services were quickly deployed to the affected areas in Saratov and Engels, a key city in the region located several hundred kilometres southeast of Moscow.
This latest strike is part of a broader offensive by Ukraine, which launched a total of 20 drones across various Russian regions. In addition to Saratov, the drone assault targeted Kursk with three drones, Belgorodskaya with two, Bryansk with two, Tulaskaya with two, Orlovskaya with one, and Ryazan with one.
Saratov holds strategic significance due to its proximity to the Engels military base, a key location for Russia’s Moscow bomber fleet. The base has been a repeated target since the conflict between Ukraine and Russia escalated in February 2022. However, no damage has been reported at the Engels base following this most recent wave of attacks.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine’s drone assault being likened to the scale and symbolism of historic aerial attacks. The strikes have raised concerns about further retaliatory measures and the potential for heightened conflict as both nations continue to engage in increasingly aggressive tactics.
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