Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin reported an unprecedented drone attack on Saratov and Engels on March 20, 2025. According to him, this was the most massive attack on the region in the entire period of such incidents. Emergency services are currently working in an enhanced mode, eliminating the consequences of the attack, and city authorities, together with relevant departments, are recording the damage caused to civilian infrastructure in order to promptly organize assistance to the victims.

In Engels, the private sector was hit: about 30 houses, including residential and summer cottage buildings in several gardening associations, were damaged by falling drone debris. The regional security department has already launched its work on the ground, coordinating the assessment of the situation. Several residents sought medical assistance, but the exact number of victims has not yet been specified. The governor instructed the district administration to personally visit each owner of damaged property to determine the amount of support needed and work out the issue of compensation.

Serious measures have been taken in connection with the fire at the airfield in Engels, where the strategic airbase "Engels-2" is located. Due to the security threat, the evacuation of residents of nearby garden associations has begun. Emergency services, including firefighters and rescuers, are focused on extinguishing the fire and preventing further risks. Busargin emphasized that the situation is under control, but requires increased attention due to the proximity to a military facility.

The attack on the Saratov region was part of a wider wave of strikes on regions of Russia. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, more than 20 drones were destroyed over the country on the night of March 130, a significant number of which were in the Saratov region.

Engels remains one of the key targets due to the deployment of Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers used in military operations at the airfield.

Against the backdrop of current events, the Saratov Region administration has stepped up its efforts to support the population. Operational headquarters have been set up in Engels to receive applications from victims, and specialists have begun to calculate the material damage. According to preliminary data, the damage affected not only residential buildings, but also outbuildings, as well as power lines in some areas. In Saratov, where debris falls were also recorded, authorities are checking the condition of apartment buildings.