Saratov Airport Lifts Curbs After Ukraine Drone Attack

Saratov regional airport in Russia lifted flight curbs imposed due to damage from a Ukrainian drone attack. The attack injured a woman, who is in serious condition. Russia's defense systems destroyed nine drones. Previously, emergency services were deployed in Saratov and Engels, where residential buildings were damaged.

On Monday, Russia's Saratov regional airport lifted the flight restrictions imposed after homes were damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack that injured a woman, according to Russian officials and news agencies.

RIA news agency reported the lifting of the curbs at about 9:30 a.m. (0530 GMT), which were initially reported by the airport's press service. Regional governor Roman Busargin said on Telegram that a residential complex in Saratov was affected by debris from drones destroyed by Russia's air defense systems.

Busargin stated, 'A woman was hospitalized in serious condition. Doctors are fighting for her life.' Russia's defense ministry confirmed destroying nine drones over the Saratov region, located about 900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Earlier, emergency services were dispatched to affected sites in Saratov and Engels, key cities in the region. Engels hosts a strategic bomber military base, frequently targeted since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. There was no immediate information on damage at the base or the scale of the attack.

Video shared on Telegram by the Russian news channel SHOT showed a high-rise residential building in Saratov with damage. Engels also saw damage to the top floor of a residential building. Reuters has not independently verified these reports, and there was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Both sides deny targeting civilians, stating their attacks aim to destroy war-critical infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)