Shootings and Drone Threats in Russia: What We Know by the Morning of July 1
During the night from June 30 to July 1, several explosions echoed through the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels, located in the Saratov region. Residents reported loud noises and sirens, indicating a sudden escalation of hostilities. According to official sources, including acting governor of Rostov Oblast Yuriy Slyusary and governor of Saratov Rоман Busargin, the morning began with reports of attempted drone attacks. Authorities confirmed that all emergency services were put on high alert, and air defense units launched measures to intercept and destroy suspected unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Currently, several airports across Russia—Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk—have temporarily suspended operations due to security threats. No casualties have been reported so far, but local residents describe loud explosions and alarms. The nearby Engels-2 military airfield, which houses Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers of the Russian Air Force, also came under scrutiny, with reports suggesting that UAVs were detected and intercepted in the area. Ukrainian defenders continue to conduct drone operations, while Russian air defense systems claim to have neutralized the threats. Authorities assure that the attacks have been thwarted and that civilian casualties are minimal. Nonetheless, the region remains tense as the situation develops, and officials closely monitor the security situation, emphasizing that all measures are being taken to safeguard civilian infrastructure and lives.