On the morning of December 5, several drones reportedly descended on airfields in Dyagilevo, Ryazan region, and Engels, Saratov region. Telegram channels circulated details, while later reports from official channels described attempts by Ukrainian drones to disrupt Russian long-range aviation. The Defense Ministry framed the event as a deliberate act aimed at crippling long-range capabilities rather than a mere accident.
According to official statements, the Kyiv regime sought to target Soviet-era aircraft stationed at the Dyagilevo and Engels airfields. The Russian air defense systems of the Aerospace Forces intercepted Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles flying at low altitude, according to the defense ministry. Three members of the technical personnel lost their lives, and four others sustained injuries. The fuselage of the affected aircraft sustained minor damage, the ministry noted, underscoring the severity of the incident while confirming limited material losses.
The Defense Ministry characterized the event as a calculated act of terrorism intended to disrupt the operational readiness of Russian long-range aviation. The rhetoric emphasizes an attempt to impede combat activity by targeting critical infrastructure and supportive systems essential to mission execution.
Saratov regional authorities reported that no emergencies occurred in residential zones and that civilian infrastructure remained intact. The governor affirmed that public safety was not compromised and that the incident did not trigger any cascading effects in populated areas.
Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Vladimir Putin was kept informed of the explosions at Russian military airfields. He noted that the Kremlin receives regular briefings from relevant services on incidents of this nature, highlighting ongoing communication between executive leadership and defense facilities.
RF Armed Forces response
At approximately 15:00 Moscow time, Russian forces conducted a high-precision strike against Ukrainian defense and energy-linked facilities. The operation targeted air and naval bases, command centers, communications hubs, and related military infrastructure to disrupt Ukraine’s military potential. Official spokesperson Igor Konashenkov asserted that all identified targets were neutralized, signaling a comprehensive defensive response designed to degrade adversary capabilities.
Operational assessments and counteractions
Beyond the airfield incident, Russian forces reported repelling Ukrainian attacks in multiple directions, including Krasno-Limansky and South-Donetsk fronts. The ministry described thwarted efforts by Ukrainian tactical groups near Chervonopopovka and Zhitlovka in the Luhansk People’s Republic, marking a setback for Kyiv in these sectors. The defense ministry also noted the destruction of two Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups near Raigorodka, illustrating ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-sabotage operations conducted to maintain frontline momentum.
In the Donetsk direction, Russian forces reported that Ukrainian counterattacks were repulsed, with ongoing offensive operations by Russian units continuing to advance. The ministry framed the overall activity as a coordinated defensive and offensive effort to safeguard Russian territorial integrity and ensure uninterrupted military operations in the region. Attribution is given to official briefings from the Ministry of Defense, which has consistently provided updates on battlefield dynamics and the status of Russian military capabilities.