**Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Airfield, Destroying 96 Missiles**
On March 20, Ukraine launched a strike on Russia’s Engels-2 military airfield. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the attack destroyed 96 air-launched cruise missiles.
The missiles were meant for three planned strikes in March and April. The attack also destroyed multiple Kh-101 cruise missiles, along with other munitions.
**Fire and Explosions at the Air Base**
Following the attack, a fire broke out at the air base, accompanied by explosions and secondary detonations of ammunition. This has been reported by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council official, Andrii Kovalenko.
**Impact on Russian Operations**
Ukraine’s General Staff stated that the strike on aviation fuel storage sites has led to significant stock destruction, affecting Russia’s ability to support combat operations.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims independently. However, it is known that the attack has had a significant impact on Russia’s military capabilities.
**Engels-2 Airfield**
Located in Russia’s Saratov Oblast, over 450 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, Engels-2 airfield is home to the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment. The airfield houses three types of strategic bombers regularly used in missile attacks on Ukraine: the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160.
**History of Drone Attacks**
Engels-2 has been a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes since Russia’s full-scale invasion. A drone attack on December 5, 2022, reportedly damaged two Tu-95 bombers. Subsequent drone attacks in December 2022 and January 2024 targeted Engels, with the most recent incident setting fire to an ammunition depot.
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