Fires and detonations at Russia’s Marinovka airbase after drone attack (video)

Ukrainian attack drones mounted a massive strike into Russia early on 22 August, targeting the Marinovka military airbase in Volgograd Oblast, approximately 72 kilometers west of the regional capital Volgograd and about 440 km from the war zone in Ukraine. Local sources reported at least 12 explosions near the Russian airbase, followed by fires.

Satellite data by NASA FIRMS showed fires in the parking area, where Su-34 and Su-24 aircraft are typically stationed, as well as at an ammunition depot and fuel depot. Videos shared by locals confirmed detonations and showed fires and a large smoke cloud rising over the area of the base.

Russian official claims

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that 28 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Russian territory overnight. According to the ministry,

“13 drones were shot down over Volgograd Oblast, 7 over Rostov Oblast, 4 over Belgorod Oblast, 2 over Voronezh Oblast, and one each over Bryansk and Kursk Oblasts.”

The governor of Volgograd Oblast, Andrey Bocharov, confirmed a drone attack on a military facility in the region but claimed that “a fire” started due to “a UAV crash,” rather than multiple direct hits. Bocharov stated,

“Tonight, the air defense forces of the Ministry of Defense repelled a drone attack on the territory of Volgograd Oblast in the Marinovka area, with most of the drones destroyed. As a result of the drone crash, a fire broke out on the premises of a Ministry of Defense facility. Fire and rescue services promptly began firefighting operations. There are no casualties.”

Ukrainian officials didn’t comment on the attack.

Russian unofficial reports

Russian Telegram channel Astra initially reported that residents of Kalach-na-Donu in Volgograd Oblast reported a drone attack and subsequent fire. The military airfield Marinovka is located 20 kilometers from the town, near Oktyabrsky village.

Astra later shared an audio message from a local resident, stating, “We were told to gather documents, there may be an evacuation.” Local residents reported that the Marinovka military airfield in Oktyabrsky was burning after the attack.

Around 7:00, Astra provided an update on the situation in the Kalachevsky district of Volgograd Oblast, saying that the Marinovka military airfield was burning and detonating after the drone attack:

“Explosions with a periodicity of 1-3 minutes,” Astra wrote, referring to local residents.

Explosions and fires at Russian airbase in Volgograd Oblast after drone attack

The base hosts Su-24 fighter aircraft and S-34 fighter bombers.
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