Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Ukraine Drone Strike Damages Major Russian Oil Refinery
A Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at an oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region.
The refinery processes large amounts of crude oil and is jointly controlled by Rosneft and Gazprom.
A regional official said the fire was put out and nobody was reported killed.
Ukraine said it carried out the refinery strike as part of a wider operation.
Ukraine also said several Russian aircraft and helicopters were damaged at an airfield in Rostov.
Russia said its forces stopped 641 Ukrainian drones over Russia and occupied Crimea.
Russian authorities said the attacks caused power outages in four districts of Rostov-on-Don.
The attack happened while Russia was also striking Ukrainian infrastructure and as leaders discussed whether attacks on energy sites should pause.
A Ukrainian drone attack damaged the Slavneft-Yanos oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region overnight.
Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev said the fire was extinguished by morning and that no casualties were reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operation also damaged three aircraft and three helicopters at a military airfield in Rostov.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said 641 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia and occupied Crimea during the barrage.
The strike occurred amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and debate over a proposed pause in attacks on energy facilities.
- Who
- Ukrainian forces, including the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine and the Foreign Intelligence Service, carried out the operation, according to Volodymyr Zelensky; Russia reported intercepting the drones.
- What
- A drone strike damaged the Slavneft-Yanos oil refinery and, according to Ukraine, damaged three transport aircraft and three helicopters at a Rostov military airfield.
- When
- Overnight before Thursday, September 17.
- Where
- The refinery is in Russia’s Yaroslavl region; the reported airfield strike occurred in Rostov, and drone interceptions were reported over Russia and occupied Crimea.
- Why
- Ukraine has argued that the refinery supplies fuel and lubricants to Russia’s military; the strikes occurred amid continuing attacks between Russia and Ukraine and discussion of a proposed pause in energy-infrastructure strikes.
Ukraine’s account
Russia’s account
Responsibility and targets
Ukraine’s account
Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian security and intelligence forces struck the Yaroslavl refinery and a military airfield in Rostov, damaging aircraft and helicopters.
Russia’s account
Russia’s Defence Ministry focused on its claim that 641 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia and occupied Crimea; the article does not provide a separate Russian account of the refinery damage.
Purpose of the refinery strike
Ukraine’s account
Ukraine has previously argued that the refinery supplies fuel and lubricants to Russia’s military.
Russia’s account
The article reports the refinery damage and Russia’s defensive response but does not state a Russian justification or assessment of the facility’s military role.
Wider conflict context
Ukraine’s account
Zelensky said Ukraine was responding daily to Russian aggression and urged Russia to choose peace.
Russia’s account
The article says Russia continued attacking Ukrainian infrastructure, including a major overnight assault on Kyiv, and reports a Russian drone strike on a civilian vessel that killed its captain.
- Refinery
- Slavneft-Yanos oil refinery
- Location
- Yaroslavl region, Russia
- Processing capacity
- Around 300,000 barrels of crude per day, or about 15 million metric tonnes annually
- Ownership
- Jointly controlled by Rosneft and Gazprom
- Reported casualties
- No casualties reported at the refinery; Rostov authorities also reported no casualties
- Russian interception claim
- Russia’s Defence Ministry said 641 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia and occupied Crimea
- Additional reported damage
- Ukraine said an An-12, two An-26s and three helicopters were damaged at a military airfield in Rostov