City in Saratov Oblast, Russia, on the Volga; once capital of the Volga German ASSR
Ukrainian drone attacks have struck multiple Wildberries warehouses and nearby energy and port facilities across Russia's Volga and southern regions over recent weeks, causing fires, evacuations and injuries. Russian authorities say they have intercepted hundreds of drones; Wildberries says some logistics centres have halted operations but denies assisting the military.
The Federal Security Service has detained a 21-year-old Moldovan national linked to an assassination attempt on a Russian Defense Ministry officer in Engels, Saratov region. Authorities say the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence and offered $70,000. The case follows a string of attacks tied to the Ukraine conflict. The victim is hospitalized; officials have not named him.
Germany has announced it is urgently sending Patriot Pac-2 interceptors to Ukraine, while allies including the UK commit funds and missiles from stockpiles. Kyiv warns that most missiles will arrive only in coming years, prompting appeals for immediate shipments. Ukraine is also pursuing EU loans to fund air-defence and drone supplies amid ongoing Russian attacks.