Overnight drone attack hits Russia’s Saratov region

One person was killed and homes and an industrial site were damaged in an overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Saratov region, the governor said. Moscow reported 121 drones downed nationwide and briefly halted flights in Saratov.

Governor Roman Busargin said debris from a downed drone hit three apartments during the night strike. Residents were evacuated. He wrote on Telegram that several people needed medical help, one was hospitalised, and one person died.

Russia’s defence ministry said air defences shot down 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, including eight over Saratov. It did not say how many were launched. Busargin said an industrial facility was damaged, without giving details.

Video on social media showed thick black smoke over what looked like an industrial zone. Reuters verified the location as Saratov but could not confirm the time the footage was filmed. Ukrainian outlets, including RBK-Ukraine, reported a fire at the Saratov oil refinery. There was no official confirmation from Russia.

Industry sources earlier told Reuters the Rosneft-owned refinery in Saratov had halted operations this year after previous drone strikes. The SHOT Telegram channel reported eight explosions over Saratov and nearby Engels, cities on opposite banks of the Volga River.

Rosaviatsia said flights to and from Saratov were paused for about two hours early on Sunday for safety.

Both sides deny targeting civilians in cross-border strikes. Kyiv says attacks inside Russia aim at infrastructure tied to the war effort, including energy and military sites, and respond to continued Russian bombardment.

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