Last night, explosions were heard and air defence systems were activated in a number of regions of Russia, including Saratov, Lipetsk and Voronezh. Residents of the Rostov region also reported hearing the sound of drones in the sky and explosions.
Saratov was the most affected. According to local authorities, one of the drones fell into the courtyard of a residential building, causing a fire. At least one person was killed and several were injured in the attack. A gas pipe was damaged, windows in apartments were broken, and a car was destroyed. Evacuated residents were placed in a nearby school.
Local residents also reported explosions and a large fire at an oil refinery. Governor Roman Busargin confirmed that one of the industrial enterprises had been damaged. Saratov International Airport has temporarily suspended operations.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, air defence systems shot down or intercepted 121 drones during the night. The largest number were over the Krasnodar Territory (29), annexed Crimea (15) and the Bryansk Region (13). According to official data, eight drones were shot down in the Saratov region and nine in the Voronezh region.
Emergency services continue to work at the sites of the strikes. Information about the extent of the damage is being clarified.