Attacks Across Russia on February 22
A series of overnight attacks targeted sites across Russia on February 22, marked by explosions, air defense activity, and fires. Residents reported approximately ten detonations over the cities of Saratov and Engels, with the most intense activity observed in the southern part of the region starting around 2 a.m. Local air defense systems were engaged, and the shockwaves triggered car alarms. Eyewitnesses described bright flashes in the sky above the Volga River. These incidents are part of a pattern of strikes on Russian territory that have increased since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at Saratov airport in response. The Saratov oil refinery is considered a likely target. This follows a previous attack on the night of February 12 on a military site in the village of Kotluban, Volgograd region, where locals reported powerful explosions near a Ministry of Defense arsenal; Governor Andrey Bocharov confirmed the attack and a resulting fire from falling debris.
Earlier Incidents on February 12 and Their Impact
Further attacks occurred on the night of February 12. Explosions rocked the city of Michurinsk in the Tambov region, where a fire broke out at the Progress plant, a strategic defense enterprise. In the Bryansk region, a mass attack by jet-powered drones was recorded. Locals reported a series of powerful explosions around midnight on the outskirts of Bryansk, as well as in the towns of Dyatkovo, Fokino, and Sel'tso. The blasts were accompanied by bright flashes in the sky, and the regional center of Bryansk experienced power outages. These events highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure deep inside Russia. The recurring nature of these strikes on strategic facilities points to a heightened level of regional tension and underscores challenges to Russian air defenses. Analysts note that such incidents are frequently linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reflecting a spillover of hostilities onto Russian soil.