December 26, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

Three Russian servicemen had been killed Monday after a Ukrainian drone was shot down by air defenses because it approached a army airfield in Saratov Oblast, deep inside Russian territory, in accordance with Russian state information companies, citing the protection ministry.

CNN has been unable to independently confirm Russian experiences the drone was intentionally shot down and didn’t attain its meant goal.

Here is what we know so far concerning the incident:

The place it occurred: It happened within the western port metropolis of Engels, some 500 miles (greater than 800 kilometers) southeast of Moscow, positioned on the Volga River.

Why it’s vital: It’s the second such tried assault on the town, which homes the Engels-2 army airfield, a strategic bomber airbase, this month.

Investigation is ongoing: Legislation enforcement companies at the moment are investigating the incident on the airfield, stated Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin on Monday. The feedback, posted on his official Telegram channel, got here after experiences circulated of an explosion within the metropolis. He added that there have been “no emergencies within the residential areas of the town,” and that no civilian infrastructure had been broken. He additionally prolonged his condolences to the households of the servicemen, saying the federal government would supply them with help.

What Ukraine is saying: In feedback Monday, Ukrainian Air Drive spokesperson Yurii Ihnat didn’t declare direct duty for the drone, however did counsel the assault was the “consequence of what Russia is doing.” He added: “If the Russians thought that the warfare wouldn’t have an effect on anybody within the deep rear (of Russia) or wherever else, they had been deeply mistaken. Subsequently, as we see, such issues are occurring increasingly typically, and let’s hope that it will solely profit Ukraine.” Additionally on Monday, a spokesperson for South of Ukraine’s Safety and Protection Forces warned of a attainable retaliatory Russian strike, referencing the same incident earlier this month in the identical area.

What occurred earlier this month: CCTV footage earlier this month appeared to point out an explosion lighting up the sky in Engels. On the time, Gov. Busargin additionally reassured residents that no civilian infrastructure was broken and that “details about incidents at army services is being checked by legislation enforcement companies.” He had acknowledged that details about “a loud bang and a burst in Engels within the early morning” was spreading on social networks and the media. The Engels-2 airfield is almost 6 kilometers (greater than 3 miles) from the place the CCTV footage was recorded in early December.