Ukraine Attacks Engels Airfield, Escalating Conflict Dynamics

On March 20, 2025, Ukraine executed a significant drone attack on Russia's Engels airbase, located approximately 700 kilometers from the front lines, resulting in a fire and injuries to nearby residents. The Engels airbase, which houses nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers, was targeted with Ukrainian PD-2 and Liutyi drones, marking a shift towards striking strategic locations deep within Russian territory. Local authorities confirmed the attack led to a secondary explosion at an ammunition depot, likely storing cruise missiles, which compounded the damage. Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones in the region, although experts have questioned the effectiveness of their air defenses. The incident has heightened tensions and raised concerns about the evolving military dynamics in the ongoing conflict. Governor Roman Buzargin confirmed that civilians were evacuated safely in the aftermath of the assault.