A series of explosions rocked the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels early on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with social media reporting a fire at the Saratov oil refinery.
According to Russian Telegram channels, air defenses were on high alert in both cities amid the threat of drone attacks. Local residents reported hearing between five and seven loud explosions after 1 a.m.
Eyewitnesses said that flares were visible in the southwest of Saratov and that the sound of drone engines could be heard overhead.
Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the threat of UAV attacks, and Rosaviatsia imposed temporary flight restrictions at Saratov airport.
In a Telegram post at 8:22 a.m., Busargin wrote that the drone attack shattered windows in several houses in the Zavodsky district, injuring one person who did not require hospitalization.
“Specialists are inspecting the entire area to eliminate any danger. Once all safety measures are complete, residents will be able to return home. If necessary, citizens will be provided with free hotel accommodation,” Busargin said.
After 8 a.m., Telegram channels reported renewed explosions in Saratov, though local authorities have not commented on the alleged second attack.
Saratov hosts a refinery that produces over 20 types of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, bitumen, and sulfur.
The region is also home to the Engels air base, from which Russian bombers are regularly launched for missile strikes on Ukraine.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, air defense units overnight intercepted and destroyed 37 Ukrainian aircraft-type drones – 10 over occupied Crimea, 8 over Saratov region, and 7 over Oryol region.
The General Staff of Ukraine and the Forces of Unmanned Systems have confirmed their involvement in the overnight attack on Saratov Oil Refinery.
According to the General Staff, the refinery - which supports the needs of the Russian army - was targeted. As of 2023, its processing volume was 4.8 million tons.
“A series of explosions were recorded, followed by a massive fire in the target area. The results of the strikes are being clarified,” the report said.
The Forces of Unmanned Systems specified that operators of the 1st Separate Center - formerly the 14th Separate UAV Regiment - carried out the attack on the Saratov Oil Refinery.
In addition, the General Staff reported that Ukraine’s drones also struck the Morskoy Neftyanoy Terminal in Feodosia, occupied Crimea - “a key hub for fuel and lubricants supplied by sea to the Crimean Peninsula and the temporarily occupied territories of southern Ukraine.”
“A hit was recorded in the tanks on the facility’s territory. The extent of the damage is being clarified,” the report added.
In the occupied Donetsk region, Ukrainian forces also targeted Russian logistics infrastructure in Donetsk city and concentrations of Kremlin manpower in the Ocheretyne area.
“The Defense Forces continue to take all measures to undermine the military-economic potential of the Russian occupiers and force the Russian Federation to end its armed aggression against Ukraine,” the General Staff said.
Meanwhile, Odesa Regional Head Oleh Kiper reported that Russia launched a massive drone strike on southern Ukraine overnight.
“Despite the active work of our air defense, there is damage to civilian energy and transport infrastructure,” Kiper said. “Fires broke out at several energy facilities but were quickly extinguished. The Ukrzaliznytsia depot and administrative buildings were also damaged.”
According to preliminary reports, one person sustained shrapnel wounds and received medical treatment.
Critical infrastructure in the region is currently operating on generators, and “points of invincibility” have been opened for residents, Kiper added.