A Russian serviceman was hospitalized Thursday following an apparent shooting in the city of Engels, located in the Saratov region. The incident, described by authorities as an attempt on the man's life, has prompted a criminal investigation into attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking.
Officials from the regional branch of the Investigative Committee confirmed the serviceman's hospitalization and stated that bullets and casings were recovered at the scene. The identity and rank of the victim have not been disclosed, and authorities have not yet identified any potential suspects.
Engels, a city with a population exceeding 220,000, is situated on the east bank of the Volga River and is known for its industrial plants. The city is also in proximity to the primary base for Russia's nuclear-capable strategic bombers. This strategic location has made Engels a frequent target of Ukrainian drone attacks, leading to the relocation of many of the bombers.
The attack in Engels is the latest in a series of assaults targeting military personnel and individuals associated with Russia's involvement in the war in Ukraine. Moscow has attributed some of these incidents to Kyiv.
Recent attacks include a car bombing on the outskirts of St. Petersburg last week that resulted in the death of a serviceman and injury to his wife. Three weeks prior, the director of a factory supplying drones to the Russian military was severely injured, and his driver was killed, when their vehicle exploded near Yekaterinburg.
In response to the escalating threats, President Vladimir Putin earlier this year directed federal security agencies to enhance protective measures for military and government officials. Ukraine's SBU security service has previously claimed responsibility for operations within Russia, including the alleged organization of the killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov in December 2024.