Ukrainian drones ignite fire at Russian oil refinery, knock out power in parts of Rostov-on-Don
Overnight drone strikes on Russia's Yaroslavl and Rostov regions caused a fire at an oil refinery and cut electricity to several districts of Rostov-on-Don. No casualties were reported.
Ukrainian drones struck several targets inside Russia overnight between September 16 and 17, hitting an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region and energy infrastructure in the Rostov region.
Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev said 65 incoming drones were shot down, but one reached its target — the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery — causing damage. Firefighters were dispatched immediately. The strike also blew out windows in several apartment buildings and damaged parked cars, though no injuries were reported. The YANOS refinery has been targeted by Ukrainian forces on multiple previous occasions.
The same night, drones also struck Rostov-on-Don, damaging a transformer substation. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar said four districts of the city lost power as a result, and reported no deaths or injuries there either.
The independent Telegram channel Astra, after reviewing photos and videos from witnesses, reported a fire at Rostov-on-Don's Central military airfield, a site where helicopters and aircraft are based.
Russia's Defense Ministry said 641 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were intercepted and destroyed over Russian territory overnight.
