Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russian oil refinery, military airfield
Ukrainian forces conducted overnight strikes on September 17 targeting Russian energy and military infrastructure. Drones hit an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region and a military airfield in Rostov-on-Don. The Security Service of Ukraine claims the airfield attack destroyed one An-12, two An-26 aircraft, and three helicopters. Footage from Telegram channels showed the Yaroslavl refinery on fire following explosions. These operations continue a pattern of Ukrainian long-range drone strikes aimed at disrupting Russian fuel production and logistical capabilities deep within Russian territory.
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- ✓ Ukrainian drones attacked an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region on September 17.
- ✓ Ukrainian forces struck a military airfield in the Rostov region on September 17.
- ✓ The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of one An-12, two An-26 aircraft, and three helicopters at a Russian military airfield.
What changed
Ukrainian forces struck the Yaroslavl oil refinery and a Rostov military airfield on September 17.
Live updates
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Ukraine strikes Yaroslavl oil refinery and Rostov military airfield
Ukrainian forces conducted overnight strikes on September 17 targeting Russian energy and military infrastructure. Drones hit an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region and a military airfield in Rostov-on-Don. The Security Service of Ukraine claims the airfield attack destroyed one An-12, two An-26 aircraft, and three helicopters. Footage from Telegram channels showed the Yaroslavl refinery on fire following explosions. These operations continue a pattern of Ukrainian long-range drone strikes aimed at disrupting Russian fuel production and logistical capabilities deep within Russian territory.
Why it matters
Ukraine frequently targets Russian oil refineries to degrade the fuel supply used for military operations. Striking military airfields disrupts the deployment of transport aircraft and helicopters used for troop movements.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian drones attacked an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region on September 17.
- Ukrainian forces struck a military airfield in the Rostov region on September 17.
- The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of one An-12, two An-26 aircraft, and three helicopters at a Russian military airfield.
Still unconfirmed
- Drones entered the industrial zone of the Yaroslavl oil refinery before explosions caused fires.
- The Syzran and Saratov oil refineries are on hold following drone attacks.
What to watch next
- Russian official confirmation of aircraft losses at the Rostov airfield
- Reports on the operational status and repair timeline of the Yaroslavl refinery
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 10, 2026
- Українська правда — Two Russian oblasts come under drone attack, with oil refinery and factory hit – photo, video
- Responsible Statecraft — Ukraine war spreads to Arctic as nuclear tensions escalate
- The Kyiv Independent — Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russian oil refinery, military airfield
- reuters.com — Russia's Syzran and Saratov oil refineries on hold after drone attacks, sources say
- kyivindependent.com — Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russian oil refinery, military airfield
- oilprice.com — What Yemen Really Means to the U.S.-Iran War
- en.apa.az — Ukraine strikes oil refinery in Yaroslavl, military airfield in Rostov
- www.b92.net — War – Day 1,666: Ukrainians attack Moscow; Are Americans sending troops?; Drone alert PHOTO/VIDEO
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukraine's Security Service Confirms Strike on russian An-12, 2 An-26 Aircraft and 3 Helicopters (Video)
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