Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refinery in Yaroslavl, Halting Major Output

Ukraine hit a major Russian oil refinery on Friday in the Yaroslavl region. The strike took place north-east of Moscow. It forced a shutdown at one of Russia’s biggest fuel plants. Ukraine said it used drones to hit the site. Russia has not yet shared full details.

Smoke billows after Ukraine’s SBU drone strikes a refinery, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Ryazan, Ryazan Region, Russia, in this screen grab from a video obtained by Reuters, March 13, 2024. Video Obtained By Reuters/via REUTERS

The attack came as the war nears four years with no peace deal. Both sides have targeted energy sites in recent months. According to Reuters, the strike caused a large fire at the Slavneft‑YANOS refinery. It is one of Russia’s largest oil facilities. The full extent of the damage is still under review.

Russian Oil Refinery Operations Suspended After Drone Strike

The Slavneft‑YANOS plant is about 250 km north-east of Moscow. It can process up to 300,000 barrels per day. Industry sources told Reuters that the attack damaged a major unit. The CDU‑4 unit makes up nearly one-third of its output. The loading rack was also hit. These hits forced the plant to halt operations.

Ukraine’s military said the strike was carried out by Defence Forces drones. It said explosions and flames followed. The refinery produced gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil last year. It made 2.6 million tons of gasoline, 4 million tons of diesel, and 4.7 million tons of fuel oil. These numbers underline the scale of the disruption.

Russia relies heavily on this plant for domestic supply. It is also key for exports in the region. The temporary shutdown could lead to short-term supply gaps. It may also push Moscow to shift fuel from other sites. This disruption adds pressure as winter demand rises.

Impact of the Refinery Attack on the Wider Conflict

Energy sites have become central targets in the conflict. Ukraine wants to weaken Russia’s fuel chain. Russia has done the same to Ukraine. According to AP, both sides hit refineries, power stations, and storage tanks this year. These strikes strain military logistics. They also create pressure on civilian supply lines.

The attack in Yaroslavl could affect Russia beyond the region. It may force Moscow to use backup capacity. It may also raise transport costs. Ukraine sees such hits as part of a long-term strategy. It aims to reduce Russia’s ability to support frontline forces.

This strike also shows Ukraine’s growing drone reach. It hit a site deep inside Russia. That creates new concerns for Russia’s energy sector. It may lead to tighter air defenses around key plants. The war continues with no clear end as both sides try to gain leverage.

The Russian oil refinery strike marks another sharp turn in the conflict. The shutdown shows how vulnerable key sites can be. The attack may shape future energy and military moves on both sides.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What happened at the Russian oil refinery?

Ukraine struck the Slavneft‑YANOS refinery with drones. The attack hit key units. The plant had to halt production.

Q2: Where is the Slavneft‑YANOS refinery located?

It is in the Yaroslavl region. It sits about 250 km north-east of Moscow. It is one of Russia’s biggest refineries.

Q3: How much fuel does this refinery make?

It can process 300,000 barrels per day. It produced millions of tons of gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil last year. It is a major supplier within Russia.

Q4: How does this attack affect the war?

It puts pressure on Russia’s fuel supply. It also shows Ukraine can strike deep inside Russia. It adds strain to both sides as winter sets in.

Q5: Why is Ukraine targeting energy facilities?

Ukraine wants to weaken Russia’s military support chain. Energy sites are key for fuel and transport. Both sides have targeted such sites during the conflict.