On March 21, 2025, American military analyst George Barros, representing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), released new satellite images taken by Maxar. They show the aftermath of an attack carried out by Ukrainian forces on the Russian Engels airbase in the Saratov region. The photographs, taken a day after the attack, show no damage to the aircraft parking lot, but there is damage to the airfield.

The Engels air base, 730 kilometers southeast of Moscow, has long been known as a key base for Russia's strategic air force, including Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers. According to Barros, the strike targeted warehouses. Satellite images clearly show the aftermath of explosions and fire.

The attack took place on the night of March 20, when, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, 54 Ukrainian drones out of a total of 132 recorded in six regions of the country were shot down over the Saratov Region. Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the fact of a massive attack and reported that there were some consequences. However, judging by the pictures, not a single aircraft was damaged.