Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian airfield amid military exchanges, coinciding with cease-fire discussions facilitated by the Trump administration. President Zelensky agreed to a 30-day pause on energy target strikes. Russia reported intercepting numerous drones, while at least one strike damaged the Engels airbase, resulting in civilian evacuations and property damage in the region.
On Thursday, Ukrainian forces launched an assault on an airfield situated deep within Russian territory, coinciding with ongoing military exchanges between the two nations. This strike occurred as the Trump administration endeavored to establish a partial cease-fire agreement. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier communicated with President Trump, consenting to a 30-day pause on attacks targeting energy installations, marking a significant step toward broader discussions on cease-fire terms.
Following the attack, Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 54 Ukrainian drones in the Saratov region, where the Engel airfield is located—home to Russia’s long-range nuclear-capable bombers. Although the exact number of drones that bypassed defenses was not disclosed, independent verification confirmed that at least one drone managed to strike the airfield shortly after dawn.
Witness accounts and visual evidence, including videos and photographs authenticated by The New York Times, captured an explosion and a significant column of smoke emanating from the airbase, as well as subsequent loud detonations. The targeted area seemingly included several warehouses, identified online as a weapons storage facility.
In response to the unfolding situation, Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin announced the evacuation of local civilians “for safety reasons” due to the ensuing fire at the base. Additionally, approximately 30 houses in the vicinity sustained damage during the night, as reported in a post on the Telegram messaging application.
The recent Ukrainian strike on a key airfield within Russia signifies a critical point in the ongoing conflict, particularly amid evolving diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire. As both nations prepare for discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, the military exchanges underscore the complexities of achieving lasting peace. The situation remains volatile, with regional evacuations and damage to infrastructure highlighting the conflicts’ broader impact on civilian populations.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
