Drone Attacks Hit Astrakhan and Volgograd Regions in Russia

In a series of unprecedented drone attacks early Monday, February 3, critical energy facilities in Russia's Astrakhan and Volgograd regions were targeted, according to local authorities. The governor of Astrakhan, Igor Babushkin, reported attempted strikes on fuel and energy complex installations in his region, attributing the assault to Ukrainian armed forces. However, specific details regarding the number of drones involved or their destruction were not disclosed.

Babushkin mentioned that at least one drone fell, causing a fire, though he confirmed there were no casualties. The intended target was reported to be a gas processing plant, with emergency firefighting vehicles dispatched to the scene, as detailed by local residents to the Telegram channel Baza.

Meanwhile, in the Volgograd region, Governor Andrey Bocharov stated that a drone strike impacted an oil refinery, causing fires that were quickly extinguished without any reported injuries. Bocharov assured that most of the drones were intercepted.

Additional information from Baza suggested that the attack targeted a facility near Volgograd owned by the oil giant Lukoil. The aftermath of the raid reportedly caused electrical supply disruptions in several city districts. A resident claimed debris fell onto the roof of his house, although it was unclear whether these were drone or missile fragments.

Late on the evening of February 2, Volgograd airport halted flights for two hours, confirmed by Rosaviation spokesperson Artem Korenyako. Flight restrictions were also implemented on the morning of February 3 at airports in Astrakhan, Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Saratov, and Ulyanovsk, signaling a broader impact on regional aviation and highlighting the growing tensions in the area.